Abstract:
One of the most important areas of the construction industry is road infrastructure.
It plays a crucial role in the economy of various countries. Today’s roads must withstand
long-term temperature and load differences, but some of the infrastructure cannot survive
these tests, and after one severe winter, there may be asphalt cracks and holes that need
to be repaired. This problem requires new applications and more resistant materials.
Geopolymers are potential candidates. This class of material as a building material for roads
has the potential to withstand frost and salt. The aim of the study herein is to demonstrate
the mechanical and physical properties of a composite geopolymer made from fly ash,
coal shale, nanosilica, and carbon fiber for potential application in road infrastructure.
The research and experiments herein will serve to determine whether geopolymers are
suitable for replacing traditional concrete in road construction processes. The following
research methods were applied: SEM, XRF, XRD, compressive strength testing, abrasion,
and investigation of freeze–thaw resistance in a climatic chamber. The results confirm the
potential possibility of applying geopolymer compositions in road infrastructure, including
sufficient mechanical properties such as ca. 38 MPa and freeze–thaw resistance, as shown
by mass loss of about 1.7%, as well as sufficient abrasion resistance, as shown by mass loss
of about 4%.
