Mechanical and Durability Performance of FiberReinforced Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of Fiber reinforcement on the workability, mechanical properties, and durability of Geopolymer Concrete (GPC) and Conventional Concrete (CC) mixes. Fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) were used as binders, with river sand and manufactured sand (M-sand) as fine aggregates. Polypropylene and steel Fibers were incorporated to evaluate their impact on workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity. Durability tests were conducted to assess long-term performance, including sulphate resistance, acid resistance, and water absorption. The novelty of this study lies in the combined use of M-sand and Fiber reinforcement within GPC, a relatively unexplored combination, highlighting its potential for improving both mechanical and durability properties. The results showed that adding Fibers decreased workability but significantly enhanced mechanical properties and durability. Steel Fiberreinforced GPC, in particular, exhibited the highest compressive and flexural strengths and superior durability in aggressive environments. The study demonstrates that Fiber-reinforced GPC, with sustainable materials like fly ash, GGBS, and M-sand, can be a viable alternative to conventional concrete, offering enhanced structural performance and environmental benefits. The findings provide insights into the optimization of Fiber-reinforced GPC mixes for modern construction applications.