Open Access

Behavior of High-performance Geopolymer Concrete Beams with Substitution of Silica Fume and GGBS/Fly Ash

A. Kandasamy, asohankandasamy@gmail.com
Department of Civil Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha University, Chennai, TN, India B. Ramesh, Department of Civil Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha University, Chennai, TN, India Mahmoud Al Khazaleh, Department of Civil Engineering, Dean of Munib and Angela Masri Faculty of Engineering, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba, Jordan K. Athiappan Department of Civil Engineering, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, TN, India

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Abstract

The flexural behaviour of high-performance geopolymer concrete (HPGPC) beams with partially substituted ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS)/fly ash and silica fume (SF) is examined in this experimental investigation. An alkaline activator solution consisting of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate in a 1:1.5 ratio at 8M concentration was used to create geopolymer concrete in place of traditional cement. Seven distinct mix proportions (M1–M7) were made with variable amounts of SF replacement (0%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%), and in certain mixes, a continuous 0.2% glass fibre reinforcement was added. The concrete mix was intended to reach a goal mean strength of 80 MPa. Mechanical attributes such as modulus of elasticity, water absorption, flexural strength, split tensile strength, and compressive strength were assessed. According to the findings, 7.5% silica fume replacement is ideal for increasing compressive strength, and 0.2% glass fibre addition further boosts tensile and flexural performance. Seven 100 × 200 × 2000 mm geopolymer concrete beams were also cast, allowed to cure for 28 days, and then tested under two-point loading in a loading frame with a 1000 kN capacity. Important flexural parameters were examined, including moment-curvature, moment-rotation characteristics, deflection, ultimate load, and first fracture load. Evaluations comparing high-performance geopolymer concrete beams to control specimens showed improved ductility and load-bearing capability, demonstrating the efficiency of glass fibre and silica fume in maximizing flexural behaviour.

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Reference

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