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concrete (PCC). AASCC relies on strong alkaline solutions for activation of ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (slag cement), which is a calcium aluminosilicate by-product of iron ore smelting (production of pig iron). Although AASCC has been the subject of much research in recent decades, it represents a century-old technology. In 1908, Kühl1 first demonstrated the stabilization of powdered blast-furnace slag with caustic soda. In 1940, Purdon2 published much more extensive research on alkali-activated “clinkerless” cements. In the following two decades, Glukhovsky3 studied the alkali activation of various organic and inorganic aluminosilicates. Glukhovsky’s “alkaline cements” were used throughout the former USSR, where the high strength and durability of alkali activated binders were summarily proven. By the end of the 1980s, Davidovits and Sawyer4 had made extensive progress in describing the nature of alkali-activated slag and geopolymer binders. Such binders were marketed in the United States under the trade name Pyrament. While the good durability and high early strength of this product made it an excellent repair medium, Pyrament production ceased in the mid-1990s—apparently for reasons unrelated to the product itself.

Much of the current research on AASCC focuses on describing the reaction processes, microstructure development, and the effect of slag and activator compositions. From a more practical standpoint, an understanding of how these factors affect the mechanical properties and durability of AASCC is important. Current research is focused on providing practitioners with the knowledge necessary for design …