Physical & mechanical properties of fiber reinforced metakaolin-based geopolymer concrete

Research on fiber reinforced Geopolymer Concrete (GPC), as a novel type of GPC with enhanced ductility characteristics has gained interest. In this paper, mechanical and physical properties of GPC reinforced with different fiber types (Polypropylene or PP, 2-part PP, 4-part polyolefin) and volume content (0.15, 0.2 and 0.25%) is investigated. Initially, an experimental campaign on the various effective parameters of metakaolin-based GPC is performed to find the optimal mix design. The results displayed the beneficial influence of fibers in improving compressive, tensile and flexural strengths, reduction of specific density and water absorption, and negligible effect on resistance to elevated temperatures. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.