Assessment of the mechanical behavior of different geopolymers via numerical methods

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is a sustainable construction material that has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the mechanical properties of concrete. This material is made from a mixture of metakaolin, normalized sand, and an alkali solution. In this study, the experimental data of the steel fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete (SFGPC) investigated through tensile and compression tests were used to create a numerical model that predicts the mechanical behavior of this type of material. Then, the flexural test results were compared to a numerical simulation performed using the commercially available finite element analysis modeler/solver Abaqus, consisting of the exponential Drucker–Prager yield criterion combined with the concrete damage plasticity (CDP) model which is suitable for modeling concrete like material. The results showed that the difference between experimental and analysis results was found to be insignificant, indicating that the numerical method can be used to accurately predict test results with a high degree of accuracy. In addition, the beam experiences softening or failure due to tension damage, which occurs at the middle of the beam after the accumulation of inelastic tensile strain and subsequent tensile damage. Both experimental tests and numerical simulations showed that the crack location is at the same location. The results of this work provide valuable insights into modeling the mechanical behaviour of geopolymers and can assist in their use in various engineering applications. Finally, recommendations for future studies on the SFGPC and notable challenges that need to be addressed were presented.