Experimental Study on Geopolymer Concrete with PET Fiber

Abstract

Concrete is the world's most durable, versatile and dependable construction material. After water, concrete is the most used material which required large quantities of Portland Cement. Ordinary Portland Cement production ranks second in generation of carbon dioxide, which pollutes the atmosphere. Geopolymer concrete is an ecofriendly and innovative construction material which is a possible alternative to Portland cement concrete. Increase in use of geopolymer will eventually reduce the demand of Portland cement. Geopolymer concrete consists of basic waste material such as fly ash, GGBS and alkaline activators. Geopolymer concrete with PET fibers offers better compressive strength, tensile strength and resistance against acid attack. In this study fly-ash and GGBS (50% each) are used in equal proportion. PET fiber (0.25 & 0.5% of weight of cube) is used mainly for two reasons one is that, it provides great flexibility which reduces the causes of crack. Another is, plastic bottle which is a main source of PET fiber are being disposed in huge quantity, in oceans and land. This affects the aquatic life and creates imbalance in ecosystem. Geopolymer concrete with PET fiber are cured in ambient conditions. Cubes are then tested for compression and split tensile tests.