International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 8, Issue 12, December 2017, pp. 224–232, Article ID: IJCIET_08_12_026
Available online at http://http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=8&IType=12
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

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FLEXURAL BEHAVIOUR OF GEOPOLYMER

CONCRETE BEAMS USING GEOGRID
Santosh Chaudhari, D Rajitha, K Chandra Mouli
Department of Civil Engineering, CMR College of Engineering &Technology,
Medchal, Telangana, India

ABSTRACT
Over the last few decades, there has been considerable research in the field of
geopolymer composites in various parts of the world. Interest on geopolymer
composites is growing because of the fact that, unlike Portland cements, they consume
no energy and is not detrimental to the environment. Tremendous surge in research in
this area has been observed since there is the immense utilisation of waste products
like fly ash, blast furnace slag etc. for manufacture of geopolymers. Ordinary
Portland Cement (OPC) became an important material in the production of concrete
which act as its binder to bind all the aggregate together. This paper presents the
study on Flexural Behaviour of geopolymer concrete beams, focused on the durability
of concrete for three grades i.e., Ordinary, Standard and High strength grades have
been arrived and compared with that of ordinary Portland cement concrete.
Key words: Geopolymer, Geogrid, Concrete Beams.
Cite this Article: Santosh Chaudhari, D Rajitha, K Chandra Mouli, Flexural
Behaviour of Geopolymer Concrete Beams Using Geogrid. International Journal of
Civil Engineering and Technology, 8(12), 2017, pp. 224–232.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=8&IType=12

1. INTRODUCTION
The term „Geo polymer‟ was coined by Davidovits in 1978 to describe a family of mineral
binders with chemical composition similar to zeolites but with an amorphous microstructure.
Two main constituents of Geopolymers are source materials and alkaline liquids. The source
material should be rich in silicon (Si) and aluminium (Al). In this case, the source material
used is fly ash. The chemical reaction which takes place in this case is a polymerization
process. Unlike ordinary Portland pozzolanic cements, geopolymers do not form calcium-
silicate-hydrates (CSHs) for matrix formation and strength, but utilise the polycondensation
reaction of silica and alumina where adjacent hydroxyl ions from these near neighbours
condense to form an oxygen bond linking the molecules, and a free molecule of water .The
“monomers” so formed in solution can be represented in 2-dimensions by - Si – O – Al – O -
(poly[silalate]), or, - Si – O – Al – O – Si – O - (poly[silalate-siloxi]), precursors to attain
structural strength; hence the term „Geopolymer‟ was initiated to represent the binders.

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 Flexural Behaviour of Geopolymer Concrete Beams Using Geogrid

Geopolymer is used as the binder, instead of cement paste, to produce concrete. The
geopolymer paste binds the loose coarse aggregates, fine aggregates and other unreacted
materials together to form the geopolymer concrete. The manufacture of geopolymer concrete
is carried out using the usual concrete technology methods. As in the Portland cement
concrete, the aggregates occupy the largest volume, that is, approximately 75 to 80% by mass,
in geopolymer concrete. The silicon and the aluminum in the fly ash are activated by a
combination of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions to form the geopolymer paste
that binds the aggregates and other unreacted materials.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
The application of geogrids in concrete constitutes a new dimension for using geosynthetics
in infrastructure. In pavement applications, geogrids have been used to provide confinement,
stabilization, and reinforcement of unbound and asphalt concrete layers, as well as interlayers
to mitigate reflective cracking [1]. The compressive strength and the workability of
Geopolymer concrete are influenced by the proportions and properties of the constituent
materials that make the Geopolymer paste. Research result showed that the higher
concentration (in terms of molar) of sodium hydroxide solution results in higher compressive
strength of Geopolymer concrete [2].geopolymer is a new type of binder which should be
distinct from alkali activated aluminosilicate, most researchers preferred the name
“geopolymer” to name all the alkali activated siliceous-aluminous binders amongst the
aluminosilicate materials, metakaolin and fly ash are the most favourable raw materials for
geopolymer production [3].One Significant aspect of geopolymer concrete is that it is
generally heat-cured. Whilst curing of geopolymer concrete at ambient temperatures has been
carried out, it is not recommended by most researchers of GPC. At ambient temperatures the
reaction of FA-based geopolymeric materials is very slow, and generally results in slower
setting and strength development. Therefore heat-curing, in the form of either dry-heat or
steam, is required to increase the kinetic energy and degree of reaction, subsequently
increasing the density of the pore system and improving the mechanical properties of the
resulting composite [4].
Chemical composition, fineness and percentage of amorphous or reactive silica present. It
also depends on quality of coal used as fuel. The types and relative amount of incombustible
matter in the coal determine the chemical composition of fly ash. Fly ash that results from
burning sub bituminous coals is referred as ASTM Class C fly ash or high calcium fly ash. It
is typically contains more than 20 percent of CaO [5]. Geo-polymers are members of the
family of inorganicpolymers. The chemical composition of the geo-polymermaterial is similar
to natural zeolitic materials, but themicrostructure is amorphous instead of crystalline. Unlike
ordinaryPortland / pozzolonic cements, geo-polymers do not form calcium silicate-hydrates
(C-S-H) for matrix formation, but utilize the poly-condensation of silica and alumina and a
high alkali content to attain structural strength [6].Claimed that to produce optimal binding
properties, the low-calcium fly ash should have the percentage of unburned material (LOI)
less than 5%, Fe2O3 content should not exceed 10%, and, reactive silica should be between
40 – 50%, and 80 – 90% of particles should be smaller than 45 μm.Alkaline liquid plays an
important role in the polymerization process [7] .
Portland cement concrete industry has grown astronomically in recent years. It will
continue to grow as the result of continuous urban development. However, Portland cement
concrete posses problems such as durability and carbon dioxide emission. Many concrete
structures have shown serious deterioration, way before their intended service life, especially
those constructed in a corrosive environment [8].

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 Santosh Chaudhari, D Rajitha, K Chandra Mouli

3. MIX DESIGN CALCULATIONS

Mix design for G20
The unit weight of Geopolymer concrete is 2400 kg/m3
The Mass of Combined aggregate as 0.80% of the mass of concrete i.e 0.80 x 2400 = 1920
kg/m3
 Mass of Fly ash and alkaline Liquid = 2400-1920 = 490 kg/m3
 Considering alkaline liquid to fly ash ratio as 0.5
 Mass of fly ash =(490)/(1+0.5 )= 327.0 kg/m3
 Mass of alkaline liquid= 490-327 = 163.0 kg/m3
 Considering the ratio of NaOH to Na2SiO3as 2.5.
 the mass of NaOH solution =(163)/(1+2.5)=46.57 kg/m3
 Mass of Na2SiO3 solution=163-46.57= 116.43 kg/m3

Now calculating the total amount of mass of water and mass of solids in the sodium
hydroxide and sodium silicate solution:

Sodium Hydroxide solution (NaOH):

8M concentration (NaOH) solution consists of 26.23% of
solids (pellets) and 73.77% of water.
8 X 40(molecular weight) = 320 grams of sodium hydroxide
solids per one liter of sodium hydroxide solution.
This solution comprises 26.23% of NaOH solids and 73.77%
water by mass.
Mass of solids = (26.23/100) x (46.57) = 12.22 Kg
Mass of water = 46.57 - 12.22 = 34.35 Kg

Sodium Silicate Solution (Na2SiO3)

The water content in the silicate solution in observed as 55.9%.
The Mass of Water = (55.9/100) x (116.43) = 65.08 Kg
Mass of solids = 116.43 – 65.08 = 51.35 Kg

Total mass of water

Mass of water in NaoH solution + mass of water in Na2SiO3 Solution +Extra water
= 34.35 + 65.08 +22= 121.43 Kg.

Total mass of solids

Mass of solids in NaOH solution + mass of solids in Na2SiO3 solution + mass of Fly ash
= 12.22 + 51.35 + 327= 390.57 Kg.
Ratio of water to Geopolymer Solids = (121.43) / (390.57)= 0.31

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 Flexural Behaviour of Geopolymer Concrete Beams Using Geogrid

Mix design for G40

Assume density of aggregate as unit weight of concrete = 2400 kg/m3.
Mass of Combined aggregate = 75-80 % (consider 0.77%)
= 2400 x 0.77%
= 1848 kg/m3
Now, mass of combined aggregate = 1848 kg/m3
Mass of Fly ash and alkaline Liquid = 2400-1848 = 552 kg/m3
Let us take alkaline liquid to fly ash ratio as 0.4.
Now the mass of fly ash = (552)/(1+0.4) = 394.28 kg/m3
Mass of alkaline liquid = 552-394.28 = 157.21 kg/m3
Let us consider the ratio of NaOH to Na2siO3 as 2.5
Now mass of NaOH solution = (157.21)/(1+2.5)=45.06 kg/m3
Mass of Na2siO3 solution = 157.21-45.06 = 112.64 kg/m3
Now calculating the total amount of mass of water and mass of solids in the sodium
hydroxide and sodium silicate solution

Sodium Hydroxide solution (NaOH)

Considering 16M concentration, where in the solution consists of 44.4% of solids(pallets) and
55.6% of water.
Mass of solids = (44.4/100) x (45.06) = 20.00 Kg
Mass of water = 45.06 - 20.00 = 25.06 Kg

Sodium Silicate Solution (Na2siO3)

The water content in the silicate solution in observed as
63.5%.
So, the Mass of Water = (63.5/100) x (112.64) = 71.52
Kg
Mass of solids = 112.64 – 71.52 = 41.11 Kg

Total mass of water

Mass of water in NaoH solution + mass of water in Na2siO3.
Solution = 25.60 + 71.52 = 96.58Kg.

Total mass of solids

Mass of solids in NaOH solution + mass of solids in Na2siO3
Solution + mass of Fly ash = 20.00+ 41.11 + 394.28
= 455.39Kg.
Ratio of water to Geopolymer Solids:
Ratio = (96.58) / (455.39) = 0.21.

Mix design for G60

Assume density of aggregate as unit weight of concrete =
2400 kg/m3.

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 Santosh Chaudhari, D Rajitha, K Chandra Mouli

Mass of Combined aggregate = 75-80 % (consider 0.77%)

= 2400 x 0.77%
= 1848 kg/m3
Now, mass of combined aggregate = 1848 kg/m3
Mass of Fly ash and alkaline Liquid = 2400-1848 = 552 kg/m3
Let us take alkaline liquid to fly ash ratio as 0.35.
Now the mass of fly ash = (552)/(1+0.35) = 409 kg/m3
Mass of alkaline liquid = 552-409 = 143 kg/m3
Let us consider the ratio of NaOH to Na2siO3 as 2.5
Now mass of NaOH solution =(143)/(1+2.5)=40.85 kg/m3
Mass of Na2siO3 solution = 143-40.85 = 102.14 kg/m3
Now calculating the total amount of mass of water and mass of solids in the sodium
hydroxide and sodium silicate solution.

Sodium Hydroxide solution (NaOH)

Considering 16M concentration, where in the solution consists of 44.4% of solids(pallets) and
63.5% of water.
Mass of solids = (44.4/100) x (40.85) = 18.13 Kg
Mass of water = 40.85 - 18.13 = 22.71 Kg

Sodium Silicate Solution (Na2siO3)

The water content in the silicate solution in observed as 63.5%. So, the Mass of Water = (63.5/100)
x (102.14) = 64.85 Kg
Mass of solids = 102.14 – 64.85 = 37.28 Kg

Total mass of water

Mass of water in NaoH solution + mass of water in Na2siO3.
Solution = 22.71 + 64.85 = 87.56Kg.

Total mass of solids

Mass of solids in NaOH solution + mass of solids in Na2siO3
Solution + mass of Fly ash = 18.13 + 37.28 + 409
= 464.41Kg.
Ratio of water to Geopolymer Solids:
Ratio = (87.56) / (464.41) = 0.19
It is clear that for Water/binder ratio & alkaline liquid/fly ash ratio are the governing
factors in designing the geopolymer mix design for various grades. The water/binder ratios of
0.31, 0.21 & 0.19 and Alkaline liquid to fly ash ratios of 0.50 for G20(8M) and 0.40 &0.35
for G40 & G60 respectively with 16M concentration.
(Note: the mix design for both ordinary Portland concrete and geo polymer concrete is
same but the cement is replaced by fly ash, water is replaced by alkali activators)

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 Flexural Behaviour of Geopolymer Concrete Beams Using Geogrid

4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Compressive Strength Results
Table 4.1 Test results of Portland cement concrete mixtures
Grade of
M20 M40 M60
Concrete
Compressive
strength (7 19.99 33.77 50.08
days) N/mm2
Compressive
strength (28 28.06 48.10 68.36
days) N/mm2

Table 4.2 Test results of fly ash-based Geopolymer concrete mixtures

Grade of
G20 G40 G60
Concrete
Compressive
Strength (7 23.43 43.10 63.84
days) N/mm2
Compressive
strength (28 30.33 49.55 71.27
days) N/mm2

Flexural Strength Results

Table 4.3 Results of OPC beams (M20)
Flexural
Load at peak
No. of Beams No. of Days Reinforcement strength
(KN)
(N/mm2)
1 7 With grid 16.25 4.09
2 7 Without grid 13.75 3.46
3 28 With grid 18.75 4.72
4 28 Without grid 17.5 4.41

Table 4.4 Results of GPC beams (G20)

Flexural
Load at peak
No. of Beams No. of Days Reinforcement strength
(KN)
(N/mm2)
17.50
1 7 With grid 4.41
15 3.78
2 7 Without grid
22.5 5.67
3 28 With grid
17.5 4.41
4 28 Without grid

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 Santosh Chaudhari, D Rajitha, K Chandra Mouli

Table 4.5 Results of OPC beams (M40)

Flexural
Reinforcemen Load at peak
No. of Beams No. of Days strength
t (KN)
(N/mm2)
22.5
1 7 With grid 5.67
18.75
2 7 Without grid 4.72
6.61
3 28 With grid 26.25
23.75
4 28 Without grid 5.98

Table 4.6 Results of GPC beams (G40)

No. of Beams No. of Days Reinforcement Load at peak Flexural
(KN) strength
(N/mm2)
1 7 With grid 25 6.30

2 7 Without grid 22.5 5.67

3 28 With grid 28.75 7.24

4 28 Without grid 26.25 6.61

Table 4.7 Results of OPC beams (M60)

No. of Beams No. of Days Reinforcement Load at peak Flexural
(KN) strength
(N/mm2)
1 7 With grid 30 7.56

2 7 Without grid 26.25 6.67

3 28 With grid 36.25 9.13

4 28 Without grid 32.5 8.19

Table 4.8 Results of GPC beams (G60)

No. of Beams No. of Days Reinforcement Load at peak Flexural
(KN) strength
(N/mm2)
1 7 With grid 33.75 8.50
2 7 Without grid 28.75 7.24

3 28 With grid 38.75 9.76

4 28 Without grid 36.25 9.13

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 Flexural Behaviour of Geopolymer Concrete Beams Using Geogrid

Crack Patterns for OPC and GPC Beams

The crack patterns and failures modes are similar for both Ordinary Portland Cement concrete
and Geopolymer Concrete beams with and without reinforcement of geogrids as shown in
fig.5.3

Figure 4.1 Failure mechanism of OPC and GPC beams

5. CONCLUSIONS
 The compressive strength results achieved are almost same at 7 days and 28 days for GPC and
OPC concrete, which indicates that GPC concrete behaves similar to OPC concrete.
 In geopolymer concrete the high grades mixes are less workable when compared with lower
grade concrete.
 The load deflection characteristics, crack patterns and failure modes for of reinforced ordinary
Portland cement concrete beams and Geopolymer concrete beams are almost similar.
 For geopolymer beams the transverse strength is slightly more when compared with Ordinary
Portland cement concrete beams.
 Various possibilities could have caused the failure of concrete first followed by rupture of
geogrids ribs.
 Geogrid reinforcement provide a ductile postcracking behaviour, high flexural strength and
deflection when compared to beams without geogrids.
 The physical and mechanical properties of the geogrids have a great impact on the peak and
postpeak behaviour of reinforced beams in flexure. Biaxial geogrids with ribs aligned in the
both directions yield better post-peak flexural behavior in comparison to others in terms of
load and deflection capacity.
 Biaxial geogrid normal strength reinforced beams attained a 20% increase in load capacity and
along with substantial increase in post peak deflection.
 There is a clear correlation between concrete strength, tensile properties of the geogrid.
 In both ordinary Portland cement concrete and geopolymer concrete specimens with geogrid
performs better when compared to the specimen without geogrids.
 As the strength of both ordinary Portland cement concrete and geo polymer concrete is
comparatively same, So the conventional concrete can be replaced by geo polymer concrete
considering the environmental conditions such as global warming, emission of CO2 etc.

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 Santosh Chaudhari, D Rajitha, K Chandra Mouli

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