Abstract
Heavyweight geopolymer concrete (HWGC) is a new concrete type that combines the benefits of geopolymer concrete (GC) and heavyweight concrete. HWGC can be used to produce particular properties such as high radiation shielding, and mass concrete elements. HWGC based on fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag, using electric arc furnace steel slag (EAFSS), barite and ilmenite coarse aggregates can substantially have higher specific gravities than concrete made with crushed dolomite. In the experimental work carried out on four main groups, 13 GC mixes are prepared by using heavyweight coarse aggregates (HWCAs) at volume ratios of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Fresh and mechanical properties, compressive and tensile strengths, and influence of high temperature on radiation are investigated for specimens subjected to high temperatures of up to 900 degrees C for 1, 2 and 3 hours. Moreover, the internal structure of geopolymer is analyzed using scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray. Results show a good effect of HWCAs on the properties, radiation shielding and unit weight. The density of heavyweight geopolymer mixes ranges between 2,415 and 3,480 kg/m(3), and HWCA ratios contribute to an increase in all properties of GC mixtures using up to 75% of NWCAs. Heavier coarse aggregate of ilmenite dampens the effect of higher temperatures on GC strength compared with lighter aggregates. In addition, replacing crushed dolomite with heavyweight aggregates of EAFSS, barite and ilmenite increases the attenuation rate to 27%, 21% and 13%, respectively. This finding confirms that the type of aggregate used in the production of GC is important for reducing the permeability of X-ray.