Performance of Fibre Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete: A Sustainable Solution for Enhanced Durability

Abstract

This research is carried to investigate the fresh, hardened, durability and structural behaviour of Fibre Reinforced Geopolymer (FRGP) concrete members. The casting and testing of FRGP concrete specimens were done according to the specifications followed for ordinary Portland cement. The tests were carried out for the fresh concrete initially. The slump value and percentage of flow for fresh geopolymer concrete with and without polypropylene fibre were tested in accordance. The compressive strength of 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm concrete cubes were ascertained by testing as per the procedures stipulated in IS: 516:1959. Split tensile strength test was conducted on 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height cylinders cast and tested in accordance to IS: 5816-1999. FRGP concrete beams of standard size 500 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm confirming to IS: 516-1959 was used for evaluating flexural strength of plain concrete. Durability tests on Geopolymer concrete with and without polypropylene fibre cubes were conducted and the results were compared. Tests on water absorption were also carried out and compared. The Ultrasonic pulse velocity test was conducted as per the procedure given in IS: 13311:1992. Experimental analyses were conducted on M40 grade concrete with varying polypropylene fibre dosages. The results confirm that up to 0.6% fibre inclusion enhances strength and durability significantly, affirming the potential of FRGPC as a sustainable construction material.