Elaboration of geopolymer cement based on dredged sediment

Abstract

This work aims to study the feasibility of making a geopolymer cement based on dredged sediments, from the Fergoug dam (Algeria). Sedimentary clays were characterized before and after calcination by X-ray diffraction, ATG / ATD, spectroscopy (FTIR) and XRF analysis. The reactivity of the calcined products was measured using isothermal calorimetric analysis (DSC) on pastes prepared by mixing an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) 8 M in an amount allowing to have a Na / Al ratio close to 1. Also, cubic mortar samples were prepared with a ratio L / S: 0.8, sealed and cured for 24 hours at 60 ° C and then at room temperature. The results obtained allowed to optimize the calcination time of 5 hours for a better reactivity of these sediments, and a concentration of 8M of sodium hydroxide and more suitable to have the best mechanical performances.

Keywords

• Sediment, Geopolymer Cement, Paste, Mortar