Investigation and optimization of the carbon fiber additive effect on the physical properties of soils improved with geopolymer

Geopolymers are utilized in various engineering fields and are gaining popularity due to their environmentally friendly properties, especially in geotechnical engineering applications. The effect of carbon fiber addition on the physical properties of soils improved with geopolymers was investigated, and an optimal design was created based on the data obtained within the scope of this thesis. International guidelines were utilized to achieve target strength, and the mixture ratios were established based on reference mixes in the literature. The control mixtures without fiber additives were allowed to cure for 28 days, and the unconfined compressive and flexural strength values of the samples were obtained through experiments conducted after the curing process. After obtaining the experimental results of the control mixture, numerous combinations were created by adding carbon fibers of various sizes and ratios to the existing mix. The effect of combining geopolymer and carbon fibers on the physical properties of soils was investigated through the various combinations created. The distribution of carbon fibers within the samples was analyzed using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Following statistical evaluations, significance tests were conducted to determine the optimal ratios of carbon fiber in geopolymer mixtures using current optimization techniques. As a result, an optimal design was obtained that could guide future research on soils improved with carbon fiber and geopolymer.