GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE AS A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TO ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT: REVIEW OF PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has emerged as a transformative sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based concrete, addressing critical environmental challenges in the construction industry. Portland cement production accounts for approximately 10% of global CO2 emissions, making it a significant contributor to environmental degradation and resource depletion [1]. This review synthesizes current research on geopolymer concrete properties, environmental benefits, durability performance, and construction applications. GPC achieves compressive strengths exceeding 80 MPa, demonstrates excellent resistance to acid and sulfate attack, and retains over 90% of its strength at temperatures up to 800 °C, with environmental analyses revealing 40–80% reduction in CO₂ emissions and lower energy consumption compared to conventional Portland cement concrete [2]. Through comprehensive analysis of 200+ peer-reviewed sources, this review identifies key properties, comparative performance metrics, applications across infrastructure sectors, and remaining research gaps. The findings indicate that GPC presents a viable pathway toward sustainable, high-performance construction materials while promoting circular economy principles through industrial waste valorization.