Abstract
Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is an innovative and sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPC) for structures in seismic prone areas owing to tough and ductile performance due to strong bond with steel reinforcement. However, the application of GPC in construction projects is low due to limited understanding of the long-term performance of structural members. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of steel fibres on the flexural properties of self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) and OPC beams. The study involved investigation of the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete. Structural parameters such as toughness, and ductility index were examined on beams measuring 150x150x400 mm. Inclusion of steel fibres up to 1% showed the greatest improvement on compressive strength with SCGC and OPC recording a 18% and 20% increase respectively compared to the non-fibre mixes. Maximum tensile strength of 3.8 MPa and 3.9 MPa was achieved for 1.5% fibre addition for SCGC and OPC, respectively. The peak flexural loads of 12.3kN and 21.6kN were achieved for 1.5% fibre content in SCGC and OPC, respectively. However, the improvement in the ductility index was more apparent in SCGC than OPC as 1.5% fibre SCGC recorded 13.4 times more ductility than the control mix while for 1.5% fibre OPC it was 1.7 times. These results depict the potential for steel fibre reinforced GPC to replace OPC in earthquake zones as the increased ductility allows structures to absorb and dissipate energy during an earthquake, which is great for seismic performance.
Keywords
geopolymer concrete, compressive strength, ductility index, toughness, structural performance.
DOI
10.5703/1288284318159
Recommended Citation
Chidziya, Jubilant Nyasha and Fujiyama, Chikako, "Steel Fibre Reinforced Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete Structural Members" (2025). International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures. 4.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/icdcs/2025/act/4
Steel Fibre Reinforced Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete Structural Members
Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is an innovative and sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPC) for structures in seismic prone areas owing to tough and ductile performance due to strong bond with steel reinforcement. However, the application of GPC in construction projects is low due to limited understanding of the long-term performance of structural members. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of steel fibres on the flexural properties of self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) and OPC beams. The study involved investigation of the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete. Structural parameters such as toughness, and ductility index were examined on beams measuring 150x150x400 mm. Inclusion of steel fibres up to 1% showed the greatest improvement on compressive strength with SCGC and OPC recording a 18% and 20% increase respectively compared to the non-fibre mixes. Maximum tensile strength of 3.8 MPa and 3.9 MPa was achieved for 1.5% fibre addition for SCGC and OPC, respectively. The peak flexural loads of 12.3kN and 21.6kN were achieved for 1.5% fibre content in SCGC and OPC, respectively. However, the improvement in the ductility index was more apparent in SCGC than OPC as 1.5% fibre SCGC recorded 13.4 times more ductility than the control mix while for 1.5% fibre OPC it was 1.7 times. These results depict the potential for steel fibre reinforced GPC to replace OPC in earthquake zones as the increased ductility allows structures to absorb and dissipate energy during an earthquake, which is great for seismic performance.
