Numerical Analysis and Experimental Comparison of Stress and Stiffness Parameters of Steel Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete Columns

Abstract

Despite extensive research, Geopolymer concrete (GPC) lacks reinforced concrete construction and design specifications. Developing such specifications requires comprehensive studies to promote the use of GPC, which is known for its superior performance and environmental benefits compared to ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPC). This study numerically investigated and compared the behavior and strength of fly ash-based geopolymer-reinforced concrete columns with the experimental results. Comparisons with OPC were made based on existing specifications. Herein, FEM analyses were conducted on 16 GPC and 4 OPC columns under eccentric axial compressive loads. Parameters such as eccentricity, reinforcement ratio, curing method, and activation solution ratios were varied. According to average numerical results, the GPC columns have 7% more moment capacity and 30% more curvature values than OPC. Moreover, GPC columns absorbed more energy than OPC columns. Also, GPC columns have higher axial load and bending moment carrying capacities than OPC for numerical results. Error analysis between FEM and experimental data revealed a strong correlation, with MAPE values of 8.88% (axial load) and 7.20% (moment) for GPC columns, confirming the reliability of the numerical model. ACI 318 and Eurocode 2 specifications were deemed applicable for GPC columns, provided axial loads are limited per TEC 2018.