Experimental Investigation of the Flexural Behavior of Ultrahigh Performance Ferro-Geopolymer Panels

Abstract This study experimentally investigates the flexural behavior of ultrahigh performance ferro-geopolymer (UHPFG) panels constructed using self-compacting ultrahigh performance geopolymer concrete (SCUHPGC) reinforced with stainless steel wire mesh (SSWM) and stainless steel fiber (SSF). A total of six UHPFG panels, 400 mm in length, 100 mm in width, and 25 mm in depth, were cast and tested under four-point loading until failure. The influence of adding SSF to the SCUHPGC and varying the number of SSWM layers on the flexural behavior of the UHPFG panels was examined. The moment capacities of the UHPFG panels were evaluated experimentally and analytically. The experimental results showed that the moment capacity of the panels increased by 131.9% for the addition of 2% SSF (by volume). The moment capacity of the UHPFG panel with two layers of SSWM was 301.1% higher than that of the plain UHPFG panel. The experimental moment capacity was compared to that calculated using existing models and code-based equations. ACI 549.1R–18, ACI 318–19, and ACI 544.4R–18 provisions were found to be conservative in calculating the moment capacity of both plain panels (without SSWM) and panels reinforced with SSWM. The flexural toughness of the UHPFG panels was evaluated. The increase in flexural toughness between successive deflection points is more pronounced in the UHPFG panel reinforced with two layers of SSWM compared to those with one layer of SSWM. Up to the deflection of L/100 (3 mm), the fiber-reinforced UHPFG panel without SSWM exhibits higher flexural toughness than the UHPFG panel reinforced with one layer of SSWM. The incorporation of SSF into SCUHPGC resulted in a substantial increase in the flexural strength of UHPFG panels.