Performance of Beams Incorporating Geopolymer and FRP Bars: A Review

Abstract

Recently, civil engineering fields are seeking for the use of cost-effective, lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly materials, giving less maintenance and providing long durability and resistance to hostile conditions. Therefore, there has been significant progress in the utilization of sophisticated composite materials as a reinforcement for various structural elements in the context of new construction buildings or rehabilitation.Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) are composite materials that have emerged as a potential method for enhancing the strength of concrete structures. FPR has been recommended for its many benefits, including thermal insulation properties, corrosion resistance ability, high tensile strength, fatigue resistance, and lightweight. Environmental deterioration increases the need for sustainable, durable, and mechanically sound reinforced concrete (RC) elements. Thus, geopolymer concrete (GPC) made from industrial byproducts like fly ash, slag, aluminum-rich materials, and the alkali activators (needed for alkaline solutions to activate the geopolymerization process) stands as a promising substitute for conventional Portland cement, owing to its engineering characteristics and sustainable nature (low CO2 emissions and industrial waste).In conclusion, Results discovred that the compressive strength of GPC can reach values of 70-100 MPa within 28 days. FRP-reinforced geopolymer concrete has a wide range of possible applications, however, there are still many barriers to commercializing FRP in the construction industry. Review indicated that the distinct properties of FRP bars embedded in GPC can provide a promising technology for the construction of new structures with high sustainability, sufficient strength, and structural integrity. Ductility ratios for GPC beams were 5% to 34% higher than those for reinforced OPC beams. Compared to steel-GPC beams, FRP-GPC beams deflect and fracture more due to their lower modulus of elasticity. Therefore, it is possible to use geopolymer concrete with a combination of steel bars and FRP in order to overcome the disadvantages of using only FRP or steel.