Title:
Structural Performance of Geopolymer Concrete: Bond, Flexural, Shear, and Axial Strengths
Author(s):
Giwan Noh, Myoungsu Shin, Keun-Hyeok Yang, and Thomas H.-K. Kang
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
122
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
145-160
Keywords:
eco-friendly material; geopolymer; geopolymer concrete (GPC); structural performance
DOI:
10.14359/51744396
Date:
3/1/2025
Abstract:
Portland cement has played a significant role in the construction of major infrastructure and building structures. However, in light of the substantial CO2 emissions associated with its production, there is a growing concern about environmental issues. Accordingly, the development of eco-friendly alternatives is actively underway. Geopolymer represents a class of inorganic polymers formed through a chemical interaction between solid aluminosilicate powder with alkali hydroxide and/or alkali silicate compounds. Concrete made with geopolymers, as an alternative to portland cement, generally demonstrates comparable physical and durability characteristics to ordinary portland cement (OPC) concrete. Research on the material properties of geopolymer concrete (GPC) has made extensive progress. However, the number of large-scale tests conducted to assess its structural performance is still insufficient. Additionally, there is a shortage of comprehensive studies that compile and analyze all the structural experiments conducted thus far to evaluate GPC’s potential. Therefore, this study aimed to compile and analyze a number of bond, flexural, shear, and axial strength tests of GPC to assess its potential as a substitute for OPC and identify its distinctive characteristics compared to OPC. As a result, it is considered that GPC can be used as a substitute for OPC without any structural safety issues. However, caution is needed in terms of deflection and ductility, and additional experiments are deemed necessary in the aspect of compressive strength of large-scale members.