Development of Regression Model and Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Concrete Prepared Using Gold Ore Tailings

Abstract

In this study, 11 mix proportions of geopolymer concrete (GPC) beam and cylinder samples were prepared by partially replacing the class F fly ash (FA) as the binder with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) in steps from 10% to 100%, along with gold ore tailings (GOTs) [as a partial substitute to the river sand (RS) in steps from 5% to 30%] and recycled coarse aggregates (RCAs). The laboratory tests demonstrated a maximum split tensile strength of 5.99 MPa and flexural strength of 7.98 MPa for Sample GOT-11-15 (11 indicates Mix Proportion-XI and 15 indicates 15% of GOTs) of Mix Proportion-XI. In addition to the previous 11 mix proportions, one more set of cylinders and beams was prepared using FA, GOTs, and natural coarse aggregates (NCAs), which are designated as Mix Proportion-XII. For Mix Proportion-XII, the highest split tensile strength of 4.17 MPa and flexural strength of 6.13 MPa was achieved for Sample GOT-15 (15 indicates 15% of GOTs). Among the 12 types of mix proportions, Sample GOT-0 of Mix Proportion-XII (i.e., FA 100%, GOT 0%, and NCAs 100%) showed a maximum slump value of 89.3 mm. Sample GOT-1-0 of Mix Proportion-I (i.e., FA 100%, GOT 0%, and RCA 100%) exhibited the maximum slump of 65.3 mm. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis indicated that silicon (Si) and aluminum (Al) were the two main constituents of the GOTs and FA. In addition, this analysis revealed the existence of uneven forms of quartz particles in GOTs and the spherical shapes of the FA particles that adhered to the RCAs. The multiple regression analysis exhibited the root mean square (R2) values of 89.0% and 85.5%, respectively, for the split tensile and flexural strengths. The p-value for the developed model was <0.05; therefore, the developed model was considered significant and the best-fit model.