Preparation and properties of rubberised geopolymer concrete: A review

Abstract Interest in geopolymer concrete (GeoPC) and in rubberised concrete (RuC) has grown over the past two decades. The former offers an attractive alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete given its environmental footprint, while the latter provides a sustainable solution to tyre recycling and helps mitigate the depletion of natural aggregates. The benefits of combining the merits of GeoPC and RuC to form rubberised geopolymer concrete (RuG) as a potential sustainable construction material have been recognised in the past few years. As such, this paper presents a detailed review of RuG highlighting its constituent components, preparation and curing aspects, fresh and physical qualities, durability features, and thermal and sound insulation qualities, with a particular focus on mechanical properties. The influence of crumb rubber replacement on key characteristics is critically reviewed, including the effect of binder type, alkaline solution, alkaline solution-to-binder content, and curing conditions. Comparative quantitative assessments and prediction relationships are also presented where relevant. Finally, gaps in the available literature and recommendations for future research are outlined, with a view to supporting further developments in research and future deployment of RuG materials in practice. Whilst previous studies demonstrate the significant potential of RuG and provide essential information on its fundamental properties, this review reveals that much research is still needed in order to optimise the merits of the material and to provide a full characterisation of its behaviour at both the material and structural levels under various loading conditions.