4 January 2024 | Ujjwal Sharma, Nakul Gupta, Alireza Bahrami, Yasin Onuralp Özkiç, Manvendra Verma, Parveen Berwal, Essam Althaqafi, Mohammad Amir Khan and Saiful Islam
This review article explores the behavior of fibers in geopolymer concrete (GRC), focusing on their mechanical properties and applications. Geopolymer concrete is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional Portland cement (PC) due to its low carbon footprint and use of industrial byproducts. However, GRC exhibits quasi-brittle behavior, which limits its application. To enhance its mechanical properties, various fibers are incorporated, leading to fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete (FRGC). The study reviews the effects of different fiber types, including steel, glass, polypropylene, and basalt fibers, on the mechanical performance of GRC.
Steel fibers are effective in improving the compressive and flexural strength of GRC. Alumina-coated steel fibers enhance interfacial bond strength. Glass fibers improve the density, ductility, and crack resistance of GRC, while nano CaCO3 enhances compressive strength. Polypropylene fibers improve crack resistance and reduce shrinkage but show reduced strength at high temperatures. Basalt fibers, derived from volcanic rock, increase the strength of GRC and influence fracture behavior. The study highlights the importance of fiber type, aspect ratio, and length in determining the mechanical properties of FRGC.
The review emphasizes the need for standardized design practices to promote the commercialization of GRC. It also discusses the environmental benefits of using GRC, including reduced carbon emissions and waste management. The study concludes that the integration of various fibers in GRC can significantly improve its mechanical performance, making it a viable sustainable construction material. The research underscores the importance of fiber-matrix interaction and the need for further studies on the economic feasibility and scalability of FRGC.This review article explores the behavior of fibers in geopolymer concrete (GRC), focusing on their mechanical properties and applications. Geopolymer concrete is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional Portland cement (PC) due to its low carbon footprint and use of industrial byproducts. However, GRC exhibits quasi-brittle behavior, which limits its application. To enhance its mechanical properties, various fibers are incorporated, leading to fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete (FRGC). The study reviews the effects of different fiber types, including steel, glass, polypropylene, and basalt fibers, on the mechanical performance of GRC.
Steel fibers are effective in improving the compressive and flexural strength of GRC. Alumina-coated steel fibers enhance interfacial bond strength. Glass fibers improve the density, ductility, and crack resistance of GRC, while nano CaCO3 enhances compressive strength. Polypropylene fibers improve crack resistance and reduce shrinkage but show reduced strength at high temperatures. Basalt fibers, derived from volcanic rock, increase the strength of GRC and influence fracture behavior. The study highlights the importance of fiber type, aspect ratio, and length in determining the mechanical properties of FRGC.
The review emphasizes the need for standardized design practices to promote the commercialization of GRC. It also discusses the environmental benefits of using GRC, including reduced carbon emissions and waste management. The study concludes that the integration of various fibers in GRC can significantly improve its mechanical performance, making it a viable sustainable construction material. The research underscores the importance of fiber-matrix interaction and the need for further studies on the economic feasibility and scalability of FRGC.