Assessment on the mesh and mortar effect of the impact resistant nano fly ash based geopolymer ferrocement panels using rubber and plastic aggregates

In order to develop an impact resistant ferrocement panels in a sustainable way, first time the nano fly ash based geopolymer mortar was employed in this research work by using crumb rubber and plastic pellets as partial replacement materials of fine aggregates. The type and combinations of meshing reinforcement were optimized numerically by using the finite element analysis software Ansys. Also, the role of using crumb rubber and plastic pellets on the impact resistant characteristics of the nano fly ash based geopolymer ferrocement panels were studied experimentally and compared by conducting the direct fall impact test. From the results, it was observed that the use of nano fly ash based geopolymer mortar completely eliminates the need of super plasticizer and oven curing. Also, the use of crumb rubber and plastic pellets resulted in the maximum impact energy absorption of 2949.14 joules and 3483 joules which is 48.7 % and 75.6 % higher than control ferrocement panels. The excellent energy absorption capacity and post-impact failure of the developed panels will lead to the exploration of extensive impact resistant structural applications such as deck slabs, abutments, railway girders etc.