Abstract
In this study, a high-performance concrete based on calcium oxide-activated materials (HPC-CAM) was developed and studied. Calcium chloride and calcium nitrate additives were used to improve the microstructure of such concrete. In addition, different fibers including steel, recycled PET, basalt, glass, and modified synthetic macro fibers were used to overcome the brittleness of the HPC-CAM geopolymer matrix. Compressive, flexural, water absorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were performed to evaluate the overall characteristics of the specimens thus prepared. The results showed that adding calcium chloride and calcium nitrate increased the compressive strength of HPC-CAM by 69% and 29%, respectively. All samples containing calcium chloride had flexural strengths that were 20% higher than those with calcium nitrate. HPC-CAM samples reinforced with recycled PET fibers and modified synthetic macro-fibers recorded flexural toughness values that were 8- and 6-fold greater than those for steel fibers. The highest calcium silicate hydrate gel (C–S–H) and Si–O-T (T = Si or Al) peaks were obtained in HPC-CAM containing calcium chloride.
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