Strength and Deformation Behavior of Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete Flexural Elements

Abstract

Even though Geopolymer Concrete (GPC) was invented 50 years back , still Ordinary Portland Cement Concrete (OPCC) holds the first place in all construction activities. This is due to heat/steam curing required to develop the required strength, in addition to other influencing factors like cost , time , space required. Addition of slag fulfills the need of cast in situ applications by providing early strength at ambient temperature. The present research work outlines the efficacy of reinforced geopolymer flexural components cured at ambient temperature. The specimen beams and slabs reinforced with HYSD steel bars , steel fibers are cured at room temperature and tested for monotonically applied transverse loads. The measured and computed load vs. displacement curves are studied to understand the strength deformation characteristics inherent in slag based geopolymer concrete. The results indicate reinforced geopolymer concrete follows distinct stages of behavior similar to OPC based RCC components.