Alkali-Activated Permeable Geopolymer Concrete Technologies: Carbon Neutral Solutions Towards Construction of Climate Resilient Cities

Permeable concrete is a type of concrete that allows water to flow through its internal matrix. These concretes are designed to manage stormwater runoff by assisting infiltration of rainwater into the ground. As such, these concretes are often viewed as the material of the future to construct climate-resilient infrastructures aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities. Recent concrete research reveals a novel type of binder, known as geopolymer cement or alkali-activated cement, which is reported to use no cement while having the same binding and hardening properties as cement. The discovery of this binder material led to an upsurge in studies looking to incorporate this concrete technology into permeable concrete to create green, eco-friendly, sustainable, and resilient infrastructures. Therefore, this book chapter looks to review the geopolymer technology and some of the research advancements in the utilization of these green solutions for use as permeable concrete applications. At the end of the book chapter, the author reveals some gaps in the study identified from the reviewed studies and recommends a material that can be utilized in geopolymer concrete research.