Validation of the Shear Strength of Geopolymeric Resins Through Numerical Modeling of the Iosipescu (V-Notch) Test Using Finite Element Method–Based Simulations

Abstract

Abstract There is a growing need for a good understanding of the microstructure and mechanical properties of alkaline activated materials, mainly driven by its efficient implementation in civil and infrastructure applications. The validation and standardization of test methods and performance-based specifications directly applicable to alkali-activated cements and concretes was recently stated in the literature as one of the main research priorities related to these materials. Therefore, this study focuses on the validation of the shear strength of geopolymeric resins through the numerical modeling of the Iosipescu test by the finite element method using the ABAQUS 3D software. A numerical model of the specimen used in the Iosipescu test was proposed and successfully validated. The effect of notch opening angle on the delimitations of failure zone and shear stress was studied by the analysis of the distribution of the maximum stresses generated in the specimen during the test. After several simulations, it was found that the failure zone obtained by numerical modeling was in agreement with experimental results, showing a 90° notch opening as the most critical among those evaluated.