Technical challenges in modeling the behavior of geopolymer concrete, including the need

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the recommendations and future work and stated research gap and stated challenges of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2024 and 2026, spanning 3 journals. Those papers have been cited 66 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 4 representative gaps

• Effect of natural zeolite replacement with waste marble powder on the physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of geopolymers at different curing temperatures (2026) · Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering · doi

  Given the limitations of this research and the need for further investigation into certain properties of these geo- polymers, the following research topics should be explored: ● Both NZ and WMP have a high LOI, particularly NZ, which may negatively impact the geopolymerization process and performance of resulting geopolymers, as reported for FA. Therefore, it is recommended to evalu- ate the reaction mechanism of NZ/WMP-based geopolymers through polymerization kinetics and pore struc- ture analysis. ● Although the mechanical performance of NZ/WMP-modified geopolymers improved with an increased re- placement percentage of WMP, the addition of WMP as a replacement for NZ may reduce the durability of these geopolymers due to the significant amount of CaO in WMP. Therefore, it is recommended to evaluate Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (2026) 26:171https://doi.org/10.1007/s43452-026-01455-z1 3 Page 27 of 32 171 27 Fig. 14 Mix design optimization of NZ/WMP-based geopolymers as per WMP and NZ quantity, MS value, curing tempera- ture, and compressive and flexural strengths the performance of these geopolymers against acid attack, carbonation, high temperatures, and other environ- mental agents. ● A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment of NZ/WMP-based geopolymers should be conducted to evaluate their environmental impact and determine whether these geopolymers can effectively replace cementitious composites.

  generalrecommendationsevidence 5/5
  Keywords: geopolymers performance based high impact recommended ture mechanical evaluate given limitations need further investigation certain
• Geopolymer Cement in Pavement Applications: Bridging Sustainability and Performance (2024) · Sustainability · cited 62× · doi

  1. Material Optimization: Research should focus on optimizing the raw material com- position and alkali hardener ratios to improve the consistency and performance of geopolymer cement. Innovations in using locally available materials and industrial byproducts can enhance sustainability and reduce costs. 2. Development of Hardeners: Developing low-cost, low hardeners that are safer and easier to handle can significantly advance the practical application of geopolymers. This research can include exploring alternative hardeners derived from waste mate- rials. 3. Field Trials and Long-term Studies: Conducting extensive field trials and long-term performance studies of geopolymer pavements in various environmental conditions will provide valuable data on durability, maintenance needs, and overall perfor- mance. These studies will help build confidence in the use of geopolymers for pave- ment applications. Standardization and Codes Development: Establishing standardized testing meth- ods, design codes, and construction guidelines for geopolymer cement will facilitate its broader adoption. Collaboration between industry, academia, and regulatory bod- ies is essential to develop these standards. 4. Sustainability 2024, 16, 5417 24 of 30 5. Cost Reduction Strategies: Implementing cost reduction strategies, such as using more affordable raw materials, optimizing production processes, and scaling up manufacturing, can make geopolymer cement more economically viable. Addition- ally, integrating geopolymer production with existing industrial processes can re- duce overall costs. 6. Environmental and Life Cycle Assessments: Conducting comprehensive environ- mental and life cycle assessments will quantify the sustainability benefits of geopol- ymer cement compared to traditional Portland cement. These assessments can high- light the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and resource usage, promoting the environmental advantages of geopolymers. Innovation in Application Techniques: Developing new application techniques and equipment tailored for geopolymer cement can improve its workability and ease of use in pavement construction. Innovations such as rapid-setting formulations and self-healing technologies can further enhance the performance and durability of ge- opolymer pavements. 7. By addressing these challenges and pursuing these future directions, geopolymer ce- ment can become a mainstream, sustainable alternative for pavement construction, con- tributing to more environmentally friendly and durable infrastructure.

  generalfuture workevidence 5/5
  Keywords: geopolymer cement performance sustainability hardeners cost application geopolymers environmental construction reduction assessments material optimizing improve
• Valorization of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash and Jackfruit Leaf Ash in Sustainable Geopolymer Binders: Performance and Microstructural Characteristics (2026) · Journal of Composites Science · doi

  The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has led to the introduction of agricultural biomass ashes as a partial replacement for conventional precursor materials. There is a need to investigate the viability of combining different agricultural ashes in geopolymer binders. The paper identifies a gap in the literature regarding the use of sugarcane bagasse ash and jackfruit leaf ash in geopolymer binders.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: increasing demand sustainable construction materials has led introduction
• Experimental and Numerical Study on Steel-Reinforced RCC and Binary- and Ternary-Blended Geopolymer Concrete Columns (2026) · Journal of Composites Science · cited 4× · doi

  The paper identifies technical challenges in modeling the behavior of geopolymer concrete, including the need for accurate material properties and calibration of model parameters. The study also identifies challenges in predicting the load-carrying capacity and deflection responses of geopolymer-based columns. The paper references the challenge of achieving a good agreement between predicted and experimental results.

  generalstated challengesevidence 5/5
  Keywords: paper identifies technical challenges modeling behavior geopolymer concrete

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