The growing population has led to increased construction needs in the developing nations, with demands for better pedestrian and non-motorized pavement infrastructure. Such infrastructure requires low material strength, which offers an opportunity to utilize innovative binders from industrial waste. Therefore, this study explores concrete paving blocks with one-part alkali-activated binders (AAB), formulated using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), to create a substitute for conventional blocks with lower carbon footprints and economic advantages. GGBS was mixed with solid sodium metasilicate (SMS) and calcium hydroxide (CH) in three different SMS/CH ratios as 2.33, 1.50, and 1.00. M35 grade concrete mixes were employed to prepare the paving blocks, suitable for light traffic applications. Using standard techniques, the strength and durability characteristics of the blocks were evaluated under consideration of mechanical strengths, density, water absorption, resistance to abrasion, and strength loss under acid attack. These outcomes were then compared with those of traditional paving blocks. All AAB blocks achieved the specified requirements in strength and durability as per the standard. Most importantly, AAB-1 blocks, which were produced using 80% GGBS, 14% SMS, and 6% CH as binder, surpassed the strength and durability performances of traditional paving blocks. AAB blocks are eco-friendly, with carbon emissions reduced by 59% and the cost of production by 15-23%. AAB blocks typically address environmental issues and realize cost savings for sustainable construction in low-traffic pavement applications.
