Effect of silica fume and glass powder for enhanced impact resistance in GGBFS-based ultra high-performance geopolymer fibrous concrete: An experimental and statistical analysis

Abstract

Solid waste recycling is an economically sound strategy for preserving the environment, safeguarding natural resources, and diminishing the reliance on raw material consumption. Geopolymer technology offers a significant advantage by enabling the reuse and recycling of diverse materials. This research assesses how including silica fume and glass powder enhances the impact resistance of ultra-high-performance geopolymer concrete (UHPGC). In total, 18 distinct mixtures were formulated by substituting ground granulated blast furnace slag with varying proportions of silica fume and glass powder, ranging from 10% to 40%. Similarly, for each of the mixtures above, steel fibre was added at a dosage of 1.5% to address the inherent brittleness of UHPGC. The mixtures were activated by combining sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution to generate geopolymer binders. The specimens were subjected to drop-weight impact testing, wherein an examination was carried out to evaluate various parameters, including flowability, density at fresh and hardened state, compressive strength, impact numbers indicative of cracking and failure occurrences, ductility index, and analysis of failure modes. Additionally, the variations in the impact test outcomes were analyzed using the Weibull distribution, and the findings corresponding to survival probability were offered. Furthermore, the microstructure of UHPGC was scrutinized through scanning electron microscopy. Findings reveal that the specimens incorporating glass powder exhibited lower cracking impact number values than those utilizing silica fume, with reductions ranging from 18.63% to 34.31%. Similarly, failure impact number values decreased from 8.26% to 28.46% across glass powder contents. The maximum compressive and impact strength was recorded in UHPGC, comprising 10% silica fume with fibres.