The introduction of alkali-activated concrete (AAC) technology to the construction industry represents a significant step toward a sustainable development and a cleaner environment by reducing environmental pollution. Currently, its application is relatively limited compared to traditional Portland cement based concrete (PCC). However, AAC has a remarkable potential for future growth and innovation despite several associated challenges and limitations. The current Chapter highlights recent progress in AAC mix design and its mechanical properties, paving the way for a broader application. The universally recognized international standards and codes for AAC, its mix design and evaluation of its long-term performance are still emerging. Unlike conventional PCC, AAC encompasses a wide class of materials with wide varying chemical composition and reaction mechanisms, depending on the choice of constituent materials (precursors and alkali activators). The mechanical properties, while diverse, reflect the flexibility of the material in response to different compositions and curing conditions. Though, non-uniformity makes consistent AAC usage challenging on the scale of PCC. Nevertheless, ongoing research and development efforts by RILEM TC 294-MPA are dedicated to tackling these challenges and enhancing the efficacy and widespread adoption of AAC technology.

This report presents a meticulous synthesis of collaborative interlaboratory research conducted within the purview of the RILEM Technical Committee 294-MPA, with two expert groups named RRT1 and RRT2, and encompassing ten participants from Belgium, China, Finland, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The RRT1 expert group mainly focused on the ground granulated blast furnace slag-based alkali-activated concrete (GGBFS-based AAC) mix design and mechanical properties. In turn, the RRT2 expert group focused on the fresh properties of GGBFS-based AAC. The investigation, conducted between 2020 and 2024, aimed to establish globally reproducible mix design and mixing protocols for GGBFS-based AAC. Developed by the RRT1 and RRT2 expert groups, these protocols have emerged through iterative experiments followed by a comprehensive interlaboratory study. The outcomes highlight the reliable production of GGBFS-based AAC across participants, with minor deviations in fresh and mechanical properties that are largely consistent with those observed in Portland cement concrete (PCC). The primary objective of the developed GGBFS-based AAC mix design was to achieve a defined consistence class S4, while targeting a compressive strength threshold of approximately 50 MPa at 28 days. This objective was effectively realized, with the average compressive strength values reaching 56 MPa at 28 days and 64 MPa at 720 days. While the average splitting tensile strength stabilized at 3.2 MPa over the 720 day period. These findings underscore the growing importance of AAC within the construction sector, particularly due to its reproducible and reliable experimental results, as the industry increasingly shifts toward more sustainable alternatives to traditional cement-based materials.

This article presents the results of an interlaboratory experimental study performed by 13 international research groups within the framework of the activities of the RILEM Technical Committee 225-SAP “Applications of Superabsorbent Polymers in Concrete Construction”. Two commercially available superabsorbent polymers (SAP) were tested in terms of their influence on the freeze–thaw resistance of ordinary concrete. To test the robustness of the method, all participating laboratories used locally produced materials. Furthermore, following this aim, various accelerated methods were used to estimate the resistance of the concrete to freeze–thaw cycles. The effect of adding SAP was from insignificant to considerably positive in terms of improvement in material performance as determined by reduced mass loss after freeze–thaw cycles; only one participant observed worsening of the material behaviour. At the same time, due to the addition of SAP, a much less pronounced decrease in the dynamic Young’s modulus was observed as a result of freeze–thaw testing without deicing salt.