Performance evaluation and cost analysis of prepacked geopolymers containing waste marble powder under different curing temperatures for sustainable built environment

Geopolymer technology offers environmental and economic benefits in aiding waste management. This study investigates the mechanical and durability properties of the prepacked geopolymers containing waste marble powder (WMP) as a filler material. The effect of parameters like different sodium silicate (SS)-sodium hydroxide (SH) ratios and curing temperatures (ambient temperature, 50 degrees C, and 70 degrees C) on geopolymer mixes was also analyzed. The results revealed that, at a given SS/SH ratio, the specimens cured for 8 h exhibit higher compressive and flexural strength, which further increases for samples cured at high temperatures. Prepacked geopolymers cured at high temperature exhibit lower apparent porosity, high hardened unit weight, low water absorption, and low sorptivity than the specimens cured at ambient temperature, without increasing the production cost. The promising findings of this study show that prepacked geopolymers containing WMP can be used as structural grade and repair materials leading to sustainable development in the construction industry.