Exploring the Effectiveness of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Geo-Polymer Concrete

This research explored the effectiveness of Polypropylene Fibers (PPF) in Industrial Fly Ash (IFA) based Geopolymer Concrete (GPC). The GPC of M40 grade was incorporated with different PPF capacities (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% by weight of concrete) and assessed its performance involved mechanical and durability properties and compared with Conventional Concrete (CC) of the same grade. Mechanical properties like Compressive Strength (CS), Split Tensile Strength (STS), and Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), were assessed. Also, Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT), water permeability, and carbonation tests were directed to assess the durability features of GPC. The study demonstrated that PPF-reinforced GPC exhibited higher CS, STS, better resistance to chloride penetration, lower water permeability, and reduced carbonation compared to CC of the same grade making it a promising alternative to CC with certain advantages and disadvantages. Also, the obtained experimental results and behaviour of GPC with PPF examine the influence of different dosages of PPF on the mechanical and durability characteristics. Major Findings: Compared to CC, GPC exhibited notable enhancements in mechanical properties. Compressive strength increased by 4.34-10.20 %, split tensile strength by 13.04-21.56 %, and modulus of elasticity by 24.27-31.73 % after 28 days of curing.