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Thermal Performance of Geopolymer Concrete Energy Piles
Elkezza, Omar Hasan, M. Alhawat, Musab Khan, A. Mohamed, M. Sheehan, Therese
Elkezza, Omar
Hasan, M.
Alhawat, Musab
Khan, A.
Mohamed, M.
Sheehan, Therese
Publication Date
2026-02-01
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©2026 The Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the Creative Commons CC-BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
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openAccess
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2026-01-14
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elkezza_et_al_2026.pdf
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Abstract
This study evaluates the thermal perfor-mance and environmental impacts of energy geo-piles constructed using geopolymer concrete (GPC) incorporating 30% electric arc furnace slag (EAFS), in comparison with conventional ordinary Port-land cement concrete (OPCC). The study involved comprehensive experimental testing and numerical modelling to assess heat-transfer efficiency, thermal deformation characteristics, and the carbon footprint of each material system. Two full-scale prototype piles were built and tested; one made from EAFS-GPC and the other from OPCC. Both concrete types exhibited comparable mechanical performance. Results show that piles constructed using EAFS-GPC exhibited higher thermal conductivity, resulting in a 14% improvement in the heat-transfer efficiency compared with the measurements recorded on the OPCC pile. In addition, the thermal expansion coef-ficient of EAFS-GPC piles was 17% lower than that of the normal Portland concrete pile, thereby reduc-ing susceptibility to lateral earth pressures. The sur-rounding soil reached an 8% higher steady-state temperature, indicating more efficient heat exchange. Importantly, the use of GPC led to a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions, demonstrating significant environmental benefits. The numerical model results were in close agreement with the laboratory measurements, with a maximum deviation of 7.2%. The study findings confirm that EAFS-enhanced GPC is a high-performance, low-carbon material for next-generation energy geo-piles, with optimal behaviour achieved when the pile thermal conductivity matches or exceeds that of the adjacent soils.
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Published version
Citation
Elkezza O, Hasan M, Alhawat M et al (2026) Thermal Performance of Geopolymer Concrete Energy Piles. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering. 44(126)
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Article