Investigation and modeling of the impact performance of basalt fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete

Today, Portland cement concrete is among the most widely used building materials due to its affordable cost and vast availability. One of the top current focuses of the construction industry is achieving and maintaining sustainability. Accomplishing that goal lies in part in the production and development of materials. The high amount of CO2 gas released during the production stage of Portland cement concrete causes great harm to the environment. Geopolymer concrete reinforced with basalt fiber, fly ash, silica fume, and blast furnace slag can be a more sustainable and durable alternative to Portland cement concrete. The use of such materials can reduce the environmental damage caused by the production of conventional concrete. In experimental studies, 10 different mixing ratios for mineral additives and 3 different additive ratios (0.5%-1%-2%) for fiber were tested. The alkali activator's (Na2SiO3/NaOH) ratio was 2.5. Physical and mechanical experiments were conducted on the preliminary samples. Impact experiments with different fiber ratios were performed on the sample that gave the optimal ratio. Modelling using the experimental data obtained through the ANSYS program. As a result, it has been revealed that the geopolymer concrete sample with 2% basalt fiber additive exhibits the highest strength by giving the least displacement under the impact effect. This thesis has provided valuable insights into the behavior of geopolymer concrete reinforced with basalt fiber, fly ash, silica fume, and blast furnace slag under impact. Additionally, adding basalt fiber to the geopolymer concrete has preimpact resistance, an essential property for building materials used in high-risk areas. The study has highlighted the potential of this material as a sustainable and durable building material. The results can be used as a foundation for further research in this area, and the findings can be applied in the construction industry to promote sustainability and reduce environmental damage. Keywords: Geopolymer Concrete, Basalt Fiber, Impact, Modelling