Performance Optimization and Application of Geopolymer Grouting Repairing Material for Concrete Crack

doi:10.16552/j.cnki.issn1001-1625.2025.1029

Abstract

Abstract:

This study experimentally investigated the feasibility of using geopolymer grouting repairing material （GGRM） for concrete crack， with the aim of overcoming limitations of conventional methods such as slow setting and inadequate erosion resistance. Firstly， based on practical and applicability considerations， GGRM was modified using three types of expansive agents： magnesium oxide， calcium oxide， and calcium sulfoaluminate. The evolution of workability and mechanical properties of the grout was the primary focus. Subsequently， the optimal GGRM was selected to repair concrete cracks of varying widths. The compressive strength and resistance to sulfate and chloride salt erosion of the repaired matrix were evaluated. Finally， microscopic characterization techniques were employed to elucidate the modification mechanism of expansive agents and the bonding behavior at the crack interface. The results show that expansive agents effectively compensate for the shrinkage deformation of GGRM. Fluidity is highly sensitive to variations in calcium sulfoaluminate content， and increasing calcium oxide content significantly shortens the setting time of the grout. However， all three expansive agents have a negative impact on the compressive strength of GGRM. The compressive strength of the cracked C30 concrete matrix repaired using magnesium oxide-modified GGRM reaches up to 28.8 MPa. After 28 d of erosion in a 5% （mass fraction） NaCl solution， the strength retention rate of the repaired matrix is between 95.4% and 97.7%. Moreover， after exposure to 5% （mass fraction） Na₂SO₄ solution for 28 d， the strength retention rate of the concrete matrix is significantly higher than that of the cement-repaired control group. The key mechanism for mitigating shrinkage deformation is the formation of slightly expansive crystals such as Mg（OH）₂， Ca（OH）₂， and ettringite （AFt）. The enhanced bonding strength at the GGRM existing concrete interface is attributed to bridging connections by geopolymer gels and frictional interlocking effects.

Key words: geopolymer, expansive agent, workability, compressive strength, crack repair, microscopic mechanism

CLC Number:

TU526

WEI Shupeng, CUI Chenchen, WANG Dehui, LUO Zhengdong, LUO Jin, WANG Yajun, CHEN Yinghao. Performance Optimization and Application of Geopolymer Grouting Repairing Material for Concrete Crack[J]. BULLETIN OF THE CHINESE CERAMIC SOCIETY, 2026, 45(4): 1220-1230.

Figures/Tables 12

Table 1 Main chemical composition of materials

Raw material	Mass fraction/%
Raw material	Al₂O₃	SiO₂	CaO	MgO	Fe₂O₃	SO₃
Slag	14.56	28.13	43.55	8.36	0.45	2.44
Fly ash	32.36	53.61	3.36	0.70	4.33	0.58
Cement	11.52	27.50	49.20	1.18	3.38	—

Fig.1 Morphology of expansive agents

Table 2 Experimental design

No.	Fly ash/slag （mass ratio）	Alkali activator		Water/binder ratio	Expansive agent
No.	Fly ash/slag （mass ratio）	Modulus	Content/%	Water/binder ratio	Type	Dosage/%
M-1	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	MgO	6.0
M-2	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	MgO	8.0
M-3	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	MgO	10.0
M-4	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	MgO	12.0
C-1	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	CaO	0.5
C-2	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	CaO	1.0
C-3	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	CaO	1.5
C-4	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	CaO	2.0
S-1	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	C₄A₆S	2.0
S-2	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	C₄A₆S	4.0
S-3	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	C₄A₆S	6.0
S-4	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	C₄A₆S	8.0
G	7/3	1.2	40	0.5	—	—

Fig.2 Crack setting process

Fig.3 Fluidity and setting time of GGRM with three types of expansive agents at different dosages

Fig.4 Dry shrinkage rate of GGRM with three types of expansive agents at different dosages

Fig.5 Compressive strength of GGRM with three types of expansive agents at different dosages

Fig.6 Compressive strength of concrete matrix

Fig.7 Strength retention ratio of concrete after erosion

Fig.8 XRD patterns of modified GGRM

Fig.9 SEM images of GGRM

Fig.10 Crack interface of modified GGRM-concrete matrix

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