SYNERGISTIC RECYCLING OF DETERIORATED LATERITE SOIL AND FLY ASH AS GEOPOLYMER PRECURSORS: UPSCALING FROM BINDERS TO SUSTAINABLE BRICKS

Globallysustainabilityisthemajorchallengeforamaterialconstructionindustryin termsofmeetingecofriendlydemands.Similarly relevant provocation is expected in anthropogenic activitieslike waste management in thermal power plants. In this study, in thelight of industrial conversation appeal, two wastes, namely laterite soiland fly ash, generated through intensive and prolonged weathering ofthe underlying parent rock and operation of thermal power plant, wereused in a synergistic way in the preparation of sustainable geopolymerbinders. In order to assure a productive balance between the variousperiodicalevolutionofbuildingmaterialsdemandandwastesproduction, sustainable bricks have been regarded as optimum potentialapproach. In this regard, mix proportions and curing conditions wereinitiallyoptimized.Particularly,geopolymerisationkineticswereevaluated by varying the molarities of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) andsodiumsilicate(Na2SiO3)asfunctionofcuringperiod.Themechanical, durability and microstructural characterization of binderswere assessed to identify the influence of curing conditions (Elevatedtemperature) and mix proportions on the engineering performance and,afterwards,the productwasupscaled toatypical building brick.