Experimental and FEA analysis on flexural behavior of a ferrocement slab using GGBS and Nano Silica

ABSTRACT

The principal objective of this study is to investigate the flexural characteristics of ferrocement slabs incorporating geopolymer and to evaluate the most effective composition. Using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) wounded wire mesh, characteristics of Nano silica based geopolymer incorporated ferrocement slab elements have been experimentally examined in detail at both room temperature curing and hot curing at 60 °C. Cement can be replaced in mortar by fly ash, saving on the need for expensive disposal land. GGBS is applied in addition to fly ash to increase strength in room temperature curing. Geopolymer mortar of 1:2 is used for the ferrocement slab. This binder is made up of 25% sodium silicate, 10% sodium hydroxide, and 65% fly ash. By changing the fly ash's weight with GGBS, the percentage was changed by 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. 80% percent GGBS addition is deemed ideal, even though the compressive test results show that the best strength was achieved with 100% GGBS. Nano silica added as 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by weight of binder further enhances the performance of the chosen blend. The strength of the geopolymer mortar increased by about 240% when 1.5% nano silica and 80% GGBS were added.

Keywords
Geopolymer; ferrocement; carbon fibre reinforced polymer; flyash; GGBS