A study on the prediction of bond strength of ambient cured geopolymer concrete

Owing to the strict provisions in implementing novel concrete like geopolymer concrete for construction applications, it is imperative that the development of the concrete and its properties there of takes priority. In the present work at the outset aggregate optimization based on particle packing theory (MTM and JDD) is taken up to develop the GPC. Then the prediction of the bond performance of such a sustainable concrete is attempted. The study compares the bond performance of geopolymer concrete based on numerical simulation of pull-out test as per IS 2770 Part-1 with varying embedment lengths and diameter of the reinforcement bar for different grades of Geopolymer concrete. Simulation of the beam-end pullout test is attempted with parameters including embedment length to rebar diameter ratio, concrete cover to rebar diameter ratio for grades of geopolymer concrete and an analytical equation to predict bond strength of geopolymer concrete is proposed. It was concluded from the studies on bond performance of geopolymer that the bond stress has an inverse relationship with embedment length, direct relationship with concrete cover, and grade of concrete. whereas, the change in diameter of the rebar has no significant effect on the bond performance of geopolymer concrete. The proposed analytical equation is found to yield satisfactory results in predicting the bond strength based on numerical simulation. © 2022, Structural Engineering Research Centre. All rights reserved.