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Investigation on behaviour of reinforced geopolymer concrete slab under repeated low velocity impact loading

Abstract

Geopolymers are a novel class of materials that are formed by the polymerisation of silicon, aluminum, and oxygen species to form an amorphous 3-D framework structure. Concrete made out of these binder system possess several advantages compared to conventional ordinary Portland cement concretes (OPCCs). Substantial research work has been reported on the impact behaviour of reinforced concrete structural elements whereas similar studies have not been reported on GPCs. This paper describes the experimental and numerical investigation on the behaviour of reinforced GPC slabs under repeated impact loading. The aim is to study the impact behavior of reinforced GPC slabs with and without steel fibers and compare with that of OPCC slabs. The overall dimensions of the GPC slab are 1m x 1m, with 60mm thickness. Finite element modeling of slab was also carried out using ANSYS software. The Solid 65 element and link 8 elements were used to model the concrete slab and Reinforcement respectively. Displacement boundary conditions are applied at the supports. The measured impact load time history is used to excite the structure. Transient dynamic analysis was carried out. The response was obtained in terms of deflection time histories. The peak acceleration of analytical studies showed a pattern similar to that obtained from experimental results. The failure crack pattern of plain and steel fibre reinforced slabs predicted by Finite Element analyses are compared with experimental results. The studies emphasize that by proper design, GPCC can be used in lieu of OPCC for structural components subjected to low velocity impact.

Madheswaran C. K. , J. K. Dattatreya , P S Ambily , Karansingh, P.R

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