Durability Assessment of Geopolymer Façade Panels based on CDW

As part of InnoWEE project (2016-2020) (Innovative pre-fabricated components including fidderent waste construction materials reducing building energy and minimising environmental impacts) construction and demolition waste (CDW) was processed into fine fractions which were then embedded into innovative high performance pre-fabricated geopolymeric panels. The CDW fractions consisted of brick, concrete and mortar, and wooden chips. Fly ash, slag and metakaolin were used as a binder and were activated by a mixture of K-silicate and KOH. Optimized composition were defined and panels were produced in sizes of 50 cm x 50 cm intended for bonded contact (similar to ETICS) or 60 cm x 60 cm for ventilated façades. One type of panel was produced using mainly inorganic CDW (ground bricks and concrete), and were designated as high denisty geopolymer panels (HDG). A second type was made of at least 40% of wooden chip CDW and were designated as wood-based geopolymer panels (WGP). The durability of both types of panels was assessed according to the provisions of ETAG 004 and relevant standards for façade systems or wall cladding, including freeze - thaw resistance, impact resistance, bond strength, water vapour permeability, and capillary water uptake. Results showed that the performance of such panels is suitable for use as façade cladding.