Effect of Fiber Addition in Geopolymer Concrete: A Study on Comparison betweenNatural and Artificial Fibers

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete is an inorganic polymer concrete, containing no ordinary Portland cement (OPC). It is produced by reacting alumino-silicate source material with alkaline solution. Geopolymer concrete has highly desirable structural engineering properties, which can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits. Fibers in general and polypropylene (PP) fibers in particular have gained popularity in recent years for use in concrete, mainly owing to their low price and excellent characteristics. Alkalineliquids to fly ash ratio were fixed as 0.35 with 100% replacement of ordinary Portland cement by fly ash.Various fibers used were glass fiber, jute fiber and coir fiber. Fiber was added in various proportions varying from 0.1 to0.5% by weight of fly ash. Hot curing was used to cure the geopolymer concrete.Geopolymer concrete composites have relatively higher strength in short curing time (one day) than the geopolymer concrete and ordinary Portland cement concrete.Keywords: Geopolymer, fly ash, alkaline solution, fibers