In this paper, class-C fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS)-based geopolymer activated in NaOH and NaOH + Na₂SiO₃ was studied regarding setting time, compressive strength, porosity, microstructure, and formation of crystalline phases. When comparing the effects of alkali type on the FA and GGBS geopolymer composites, results revealed that NaOH has a lesser effect in developing strength and denser microstructure than does NaOH + Na₂SiO_3, since the addition of Na₂SiO₃ provides the silica source to develop more compact structure. Incorporation of Na₂SiO₃ reduced the crystallinity and the paste was more amorphous compared to NaOH activated pastes. The class-C FA and GGBS blends resulted in prolonged setting time, reduced strength, and loose matrix with the increase in fly ash content. The un-reactivity of calcium in blends was observed with increasing fly ash content, leading to strength loss. It is evident from XRD patterns that calcium in fly ash did not contribute in forming C-S-H bond, but formation of crystalline calcite was observed. Furthermore, XRD analyses revealed that the reduction in fly ash leads to the reduction in crystallinity, and SEM micrographs showed the unreactive fly ash particles, which hinder the formation of a denser matrix.

This paper presents an experimental study conducted to investigate the effect of fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties and shrinkage cracking of recycled fine aggregate concrete (RFAC) with two types of fiber—polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and nylon. A small fiber volume fraction, such as 0.05% or 0.1%, in RFAC with polyvinyl alcohol or nylon fibers was used for optimum efficiency in minimum quantity. Additionally, to make a comparative evaluation of the mechanical properties and shrinkage cracking, we examined natural fine aggregate concrete as well. The test results revealed that the addition of fibers and fine aggregates plays an important role in improving the mechanical performance of the investigated concrete specimens as well as controlling their cracking behavior. The mechanical properties such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength of fiber-reinforced RFAC were slightly better than those of non-fiber-reinforced RFAC. The shrinkage cracking behavior was examined using plat-ring-type and slab-type tests. The fiber-reinforced RFAC showed a greater reduction in the surface cracks than non-fiber-reinforced concrete. The addition of fibers at a small volume fraction in RFAC is more effective for drying shrinkage cracks than for improving mechanical performance.