Experimental and analytical investigation of structural elements produced from waste tire based geopolymer concrete

Due to the high energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with cement production, environmental concerns have intensified, prompting a shift toward alternative construction materials. In this context, geopolymers offer a promising substitute. This study presents the experimental optimization of a geopolymer mixture composed entirely of waste-derived components. Industrial wastes such as rubber, marble, concrete debris, and bottom ash were utilized, alongside pumice as the sole natural material. The experimental program aimed to develop a geopolymer mixture that is mechanically robust, thermally efficient, sustainable, and entirely sourced from recycled waste. A total of 21 distinct mixtures were prepared and subjected to compressive and flexural strength tests. As a result, a geopolymer was obtained with a unit weight of 0.72 ton/m³, a thermal conductivity of 0.47 W/mK, a compressive strength of 4.3 MPa, and a flexural strength of 0.93 MPa. The potential application of structural units produced from this mixture in infill wall construction was analytically investigated. Static pushover analyses were conducted on frame models with infill walls to assess structural performance. This study successfully developed an innovative construction material that is lightweight, thermally insulating, sustainable, and entirely derived from waste. The feasibility of using the proposed geopolymer mixture either independently or in combination with conventional materials in the construction sector was evaluated. In this regard, the study aims to contribute to the national zero-waste vision, promote sectoral implementation, and enrich the academic literature on sustainable construction technologies.