Experimental study on the engineering properties of alkali-activated GGBFS/FA concrete and constitutive models for performance prediction

Abstract

This study focuses on elucidating the engineering properties of alkali-activated GGBFS/FA concrete. In order to consume more industrial by-products, water-quenched slag (WQS) is used as an alternative to river sand in alkali-activated concrete (AAC). In particular, this study examines the responses of AACs under different loading conditions, including static compression and tension loads and dynamic impact pressures. The static compressive stress-strain relationship, modulus of elasticity, direct tensile stress-strain relationship and dynamic response under impact loads of ambient-cured AACs are studied experimentally. Moreover, constitutive models are established by fitting the test results of the AACs. Compared with the existing models recommended for OPC-based concrete, the inclusion of new material parameters in the new proposed models achieves more realistic and reliable predictions for the AACs. It is found that AACs incorporating WQS particles exhibit better deformability in elastic range and ductility in stress descending range compared to OPC concrete.