Mechanical Properties of Steel and Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Alkali-Activated Cement

Abstract

This study investigates the usage of Fiber Reinforced Alkali-activated cement combined with granulated blast furnace slag and activated with alkali solution as a viable construction material. This research distinguishes itself by conducting a thorough analysis of the impact of two different types of fibers, namely Polypropylene Fiber (PF) and Steel Fiber (SF), on the mechanical characteristics of the concrete matrix. In order to improve the workability of the material without sacrificing its structural strength, we utilized the capabilities of a naphthalene-based superplasticizer. This allowed for easier handling during the preparation process. Control mixtures without fibers were used as a reference point for comparison. Subsequent batches included different amounts of PF and SF (ranging from 0.5% to 1.5%) to understand how they affected the material's performance. The results of our research, namely in tests measuring compressive strength, revealed fascinating discoveries. Significantly, the incorporation of steel fibers at a volume percentage of 1.5% resulted in the greatest compressive strength, surpassing all other compositions. In contrast, polypropylene fibers, although they improve ductility by changing the failure mode from brittle to ductile, demonstrated lower strength in comparison to steel fibers. However, this increase in ductility was accompanied by a decrease in the capacity to work with the mixture as the fiber concentration increased. This phenomenon highlights the intricate equilibrium between mechanical durability and practical functionality, The micro-morphological analysis provided a clear understanding of the bonding processes present in the composite matrix. It visually depicted how the material's structure behaves when subjected to stress. Nevertheless, it is important to mention that the addition of polypropylene fibers did not have a substantial impact on the elastic modulus. This indicates that there may be trapped empty spaces, which could be a result of the fibers clumping together during the mixing process. Tackling this difficulty provides an opportunity for future improvement and optimization of FRGC formulations. This research highlights the significant capacity to serve as a long-lasting substitute in construction materials. Through a thorough analysis of the interaction between components and their physical characteristics, we create a foundation for well-informed engineering choices and groundbreaking progress in the field of infrastructure construction.