Structural concrete based on alkali-activated binders: Terminology, reaction mechanisms, mix designs and performance

The interest in concretes based on alkali-activated binders (AABs) is increasing significantly along with the continued research into and development of these novel construction materials from lab scale to practical application. The paper summarizes current knowledge about concretes based on AABs to address the following questions: What are structural concretes based on AABs? What are the specific characteristics with regard to the chemical binder reaction? What has to be considered for the mix designs of AACs? And which material performances can be expected?