The properties and durability of mine tailings-based geopolymeric masonry blocks

The growing concerns about global warming and diminishing natural resources have led to research on developing innovative methods for producing green and sustainable construction materials. Utilization of mine tailings (MT) to produce geopolymer masonry blocks is a novel way to meet the emerging needs. The major challenge with the utilization of MT as construction material is their reactivity and phase composition, which can be addressed by improving geopolymerization through different methods such as preactivation by heating, addition of highly reactive materials, utilization of appropriate activator and curing temperature, and addition of calcium to the mixture. This chapter describes the physical and mechanical properties of MT-based geopolymer masonry blocks. The durability of MT-based geopolymer in aggressive environments and the effectiveness of immobilization of contaminants in the original MT after geopolymerization are also discussed.