Abstract:

Geopolymer concrete is a sustainable cement concrete alternative. Geopolymer concrete properties depend on binder material, activator solution molarity, and curing conditions. Geopolymer concrete's brittleness limits its use. Optimisation of strength and brittleness factors to synthesise high impact strength fibre reinforced geopolymer concrete is the main goal of this work. The addition of high-modulus glass fibres to optimised Geopolymer concrete is novel. Numerous experiments were conducted to optimise alkaline solution molarity, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag use, and glass fibre in geopolymer concrete under different curing conditions. Scanning Electron Microscopic and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy were used to study the geopolymer matrix's microstructure. A detailed discussion of molarity, curing conditions, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag use, and fibre incorporation into the geopolymer matrix is included. Artificial Neural Network analysis predicted fibre reinforced geopolymer concrete compressive strength based on three input conditions. This study found that 13M sodium hydroxide and 100% GGBS slag utilisation under ambient and 20% heat curing were optimal. The use of glass fibre increased energy absorption by ten times and decreased geopolymer concrete brittleness. This research may lead to the development of high-performance sustainable geopolymer concrete under ambient curing conditions, which could be used in industries that require high impact strength materials like machine foundations, pile caps, and spill ways. This concrete may replace all conventional concrete applications.