Evaluating Optimum Strength of Geopolymer Concrete using Quarry Rock Dust with Inclusion of Natural and Hybrid Fibers Under Ambient Curing

Abstract

Conventionally used cement –a primary binder also a necessitate element in producing concrete rates first in the construction industry. Production of conventional cement requires a greater skill and is energy intensive. The usage of waste materials in the production of concrete and reduction in cement content was only the possible alternative in the past decade. Associated risks with the production of Ordinary Portland Cement are well known. A greener aided with a natural friendly claim can be made only with the usage of the waste materials and reduction in evolving respiration gas to the atmosphere. Almost all works are carried out using source material fly ash, with fine aggregate and coarse aggregate. Concrete plays a vital role in the construction industry and on the other hand, river sand; one of the essential material has become very expensive which is a scarce material. Depletion of sand is a hectic issue due to increased usage of sand in construction. No other replacement materials such as quarry rock dust is not concentrated in casting geopolymer specimens. Even though in some research papers the replacement materials are added only in partial replacement without aiming on 100% replacement. Many researches mainly focus towards test results of GPC specimens using steel fibers, glass fibers. But the study related to natural fibers and hybrid fibers are found scarce. The main part of this work aimed at characterizing the engineering strength properties of geopolymer concrete by 100% replacement of fine aggregate with quarry rock dust. Hence, combination of flyash and quarry rock dust in GPC have been considered for evaluating the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete. Also, investigation focuses on incorporation of three different fibers namely polypropylene fibers(PF), coir fibers(CF) and hybrid fibers(HF) in different percentage of proportions such as 0.5%,1%,and 1.5% to determine the maximum strength properties of GPC.