Performance and statistical characteristics of ferronickel slag geopolymer concrete

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates the feasibility of substituting river sand with ferronickel slag (FNS) in geopolymer concrete (GC) through comprehensive experiments on mixtures with varying water-to-binder ratios, aggregate-to-binder ratios, and FNS replacement levels. Key properties evaluated include workability (16–30 cm slump, classified as high-fluidity concrete), compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, microstructure, and compressive strength statistics. Results indicate that increasing FNS replacement reduces slump, while higher aggregate-to-binder ratios or lower water-to-binder ratios further decrease workability. FNS-GC exhibits significant early-age strength development, achieving 72% and 94% of standard 28-day compressive strength at 3 and 14 days, respectively, with peak compressive strength observed at 33% FNS content. Similarly, splitting tensile strength (3.2- 4.4 MPa) reaches 75% and 93% of its 28-day value by 3 and 14 days, peaking at 33% FNS replacement and showing positive correlation with compressive strength. Statistically, compressive strength displays considerable variability (coefficient of variation: 0.07–0.17), maximized at 33% FNS replacement. The strength distribution aligns with normal, log-normal, and Weibull functions, with the Weibull distribution providing the optimal fit for characterizing compressive strength behavior.