Fracture Properties of Geopolymer Concrete

This paper describes the results of an experimental investigation carried out to determine the fracture properties of geopolymer concrete. Geopolymer concrete of grade M30 was developed and the results were compared with that of conventional concrete of the same grade. A total number of 18 notched prisms of size 150mmx150mmx500mm with varying notch depth were prepared and subjected to bending test. Load deflection and load CMOD (crack mouth opening displacement) characteristics of each prism were observed. Based on this, the fracture parameters such as fracture energy and stress intensity factor were determined. The test results showed that geopolymer concrete exhibited enhanced performance compared to conventional concrete of the same grade. The results of experimental investigation have also been compared with those obtained by FEM analysis, and the comparison was found to be satisfactory.