An Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash Based Geopolymer and Glass Fibers Concrete

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative approach towards the development of a green concrete. The geopolymer is an environmentally friendly construction/repairing material. In addition, glass fibers are helpful to influence the strength properties and to reduce hair line cracks and bleeding in concrete. This study is based on the use of fly ash and glass fibers as a partial replacement of cement and, subsequently, its effect on compressive strength and split tensile strength of concrete. The geopolymer is manufactured after the process of geopolymerization between class F fly ash and alkali activator fluid (sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide). In geopolymer concretes (GPC), an inorganic polymer called aluminosilicate will act as a binder, the same as conventional concrete has Portland cement (OPC)-generated C-S-H gel. The glass fibers are added in the ratios of 3%, 6%, and 10% by weight of cement. To check the effect of geopolymer and glass fibers on compressive strength and split tensile strength of concrete, concrete cubes of size 150 × 150 × 150 mm and concrete cylinders of size 150 × 300 mm with or without geopolymer and glass fibers were casted and cured for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The compressive strength and split tensile strength of all concrete cubes and cylinders were determined by compression testing machine. The findings of the research study revealed that concrete having geopolymer and glass fibers used as a partial replacement of cement showed lesser strength as compared to conventional concrete. Concrete having glass fibers showed reduced workability and more segregation as compared to geopolymer concrete and normal concrete. However, the concrete made either with geopolymer or glass fibers is economical as compared to conventional concrete.

Eco-Concrete in High Temperatures

“…Partial replacement of Portland cement by alternative binders and secondary cementitious materials also enables, in some cases, an enhancement in their performance when exposed to fire [ 63 , 125 , 129 ]. Additionally, certain fibers have shown an ability to reduce cracking and spalling of concretes [ 164 , 191 ]. An increased density of geopolymers helped to withstand better exposure to variable temperature gradients [ 125 , 192 , 193 ].…”

Impact of Alkaline Concentration on the Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Concrete Made up of Fly Ash and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash

“…Because of increased urbanization and industrialization, there is increased demand for extensive infrastructural development, requiring more concrete as a construction material. In 2021, cement production reportedly reached 4.4 billion tons worldwide [1,2], and the annual concrete consumption is forecasted to pass 18 billion tons by 2050 [3]. The manufacture of Portland cement (PC) used in concrete has substantial effects on the environment in terms of high energy use, natural resource depletion, and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions [4][5][6].…”

Cost Analysis of Sustainable Concrete Production Using Waste Nanoparticles

“…Regrettably, one ton of cement production produces roughly an equal quantity of greenhouse gases (GHGs), like CO2, and requires the use of 1.5-1.75 tons of raw materials like limestones for example. Nowadays, the average annual cement production has reached up to 2.8 billion tons, and expectations indicate an increase in the amount of cement production to 4 billion tons per year till 2050 (Abbas et al, 2022).…”