A Review on Fresh, Hardened, and Microstructural Properties of Fibre-Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

Alternative eco-friendly and sustainable construction methods are being developed to address growing infrastructure demands, which is a promising field of study. The development of substitute concrete binders is required to alleviate the environmental consequences of Portland cement. Geopolymers are very promising low-carbon, cement-free composite materials with superior mechanical and serviceability properties, compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) based construction materials. These quasi-brittle inorganic composites, which employ an “alkali activating solution” as a binder agent and industrial waste with greater alumina and silica content as its base material, can have their ductility enhanced by utilising the proper reinforcing elements, ideally “fibres”. By analysing prior investigations, this paper explains and shows that Fibre Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete (FRGPC) possesses excellent thermal stability, low weight, and decreased shrinking properties. Thus, it is strongly predicted that fibre-reinforced geopolymers will innovate quickly. This research also discusses the history of FRGPC and its fresh and hardened properties. Lightweight Geopolymer Concrete (GPC) absorption of moisture content and thermomechanical properties formed from Fly ash (FA), Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), and Sodium Silicate (Na2SiO3) solutions, as well as fibres, are evaluated experimentally and discussed. Additionally, extending fibre measures become advantageous by enhancing the instance’s long-term shrinking performance. Compared to non-fibrous composites, adding more fibre to the composite often strengthens its mechanical properties. The outcome of this review study demonstrates the mechanical features of FRGPC, including density, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength, as well as its microstructural properties.

Compressive Properties of Basalt Fibers and Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Lightweight Concrete

“…Fiber is a commonly used reinforcing phase in composites, which can compensate for the loss of strength. It inhibits the generation of microcracks in concrete and improves the overall performance of concrete . There are two main forms of fiber reinforcement, namely, matrix fiber reinforcement and filled fiber-reinforced hollow materials.…”

“…It inhibits the generation of microcracks in concrete and improves the overall performance of concrete. 15 There are two main forms of fiber reinforcement, namely, matrix fiber reinforcement and filled fiber-reinforced hollow materials. Currently, the common filler fibers are mainly steel fibers, 16 carbon fibers, 17 glass fibers, 18 basalt fibers (BFs), 19 and polypropylene fibers (PPFs).…”

Behavioral Evaluation of Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Beams with Ultra-Ductile Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composite Layers

“…These applications have led to a growing focus on the use of FRC in place of traditional reinforcement. It is generally recognized that FRC materials can either be strain-hardening or strain-softening, depending on their response to tensile stresses, typically based on the number and type of fibers used [ 10 , 11 ]. After the first crack of the material has occurred, strain hardening can be distinguished by an increase in tensile stress, and it is also accompanied by multiple cracks [ 12 ].…”

“…The results of their experiments showed that using PVA rather than PP with limited layer thickness significantly enhances the maximum load capacity. Moreover, Asgari et al [ 11 ] describe experimental and numerical (section enlargement) methods for strengthening concrete beams with glass fiber-reinforced concrete. Experimental and numerical results demonstrated that using a glass fiber-reinforced concrete layer improves the load-carrying capability and ultimate deflection of concrete beams.…”