Optimization of ternary blended cement using PFA and GGBS

Cheong, Zhen Zhuan (2026) Optimization of ternary blended cement using PFA and GGBS. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

An increase in the price of the cement together with its high CO₂ emission level makes low-carbon alternatives more desirable. As such, research on optimizing the use of ternary blended cement through the use of supplementary cementitious materials such as Pulverized Fuel Ash and Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag is gaining momentum. In this regard, this paper aims to investigate the effects of the two materials on optimizing ternary blended cement based on workability, strength and durability parameters. This is achieved through experimentation in the laboratory where experiments were conducted based on the 100% OPC control blend together with other ternary blends. In this experiment, the ratios of water-binder at 0.5 and binder-sand at 1:3; binder contains 2% sodium hydroxide and 4% sodium silicate as alkali activators are kept constant for each ternary blend. Flow tests, compressive and flexural strength, water absorption and porosity were done on each blend at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. From the analysis, it can be concluded that an increased addition of both PFA and GGBS enhanced the workability in the fresh state, with the maximum flow being recorded as 132.5% compared to 40.0% in the case of pure OPC. On the other hand, all the ternary blends had lower compressive and flexural strength after 28 days than the pure OPC; however, both compressive and flexural strength increased as the curing age advanced. Compressive strength of the ternary blend with the highest value was observed in C40-P15G45 with 16.99 MPa, whereas the blend with the highest durability was C20-P20G60, with flexural strength of 6.29 MPa, water absorption of 3.55%, and porosity of 17.50% after 28 days of curing. From this analysis, it is evident that a blend of cement with a high amount of GGBS and a moderate amount of PFA is the most effective combination. Keywords: Ternary Blended Cement; Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC); Pulverized Fuel Ash (PFA); Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (GGBS); Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs); alkali activation; compressive strength; flexural strength; water absorption; porosity; sustainable construction materials; low-carbon cement. Subject Area: HD9715-9717.5 Construction Industry

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