Abstract

This study investigates the utilization of polyethylene fiber (PEF) and microsilica for the production of high-strength and high-toughness geopolymer concrete (HSHTGC). The influence of the PEF factor or microsilica content on fracture parameters and strength is evaluated, while acoustic emission (AE) response and crack morphologies are employed to validate the fracture performance results. By combing PEF with microsilica, this study successfully prepared HSHTGC with compressive strength exceeding 90 MPa, significant multi-cracking characteristics, as well as high toughness and ductility. The optimal microsilica content and fiber volume fraction are determined to be 32 wt% and 1.5 vol%, respectively. It is observed that when the fiber factor exceeds 800, there is a decline in compressive strength, initiation, and unstable fracture toughness, however, the fracture energy and ductility index consistently increase monotonically. These findings indicate that fiber toughening has a more pronounced effect than fiber strengthening. Moreover, microsilica plays a crucial role in filling voids and improving bonding between fibers and matrix under both tensile and compressive loads throughout the entire process. HSHTGCs with high fiber factors and increased microsilica contents exhibit a multi-cracking mode along with elevated RA values but reduced AF values during failure process, which correspondingly reflect their enhanced toughness.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.