A study on the mechanical performance of PVA fiber reinforced engineered geopolymer composites

The utilization of concrete in construction has seen a rapid increase due to its widespread use. However, the cement industry’s significant contribution to CO2 emissions and cli-mate change has prompted the exploration of alternative materials. Geopolymer concrete has emerged as a promising substitute to Portland cement in the construction industry in the wake of sustainability. In this study, the advantage of incorporating PVA fibers in geopolymer composites in optimum proportions to improve the overall mechanical proper-ties resulting in ductile concrete is being investigated. By systematically varying the PVA fiber dosage from 0 % to 1.5 % in increments of 0.5 %, along with different molarities ranging from 8 to 12 in two Mixes 1:1 and 1:3, several key properties, including compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and load-deflection curve were evaluated. The experimental results indicated that the addition of fibers had a negligible im-pact on compressive strength. However, a significant improvement was observed in flexural strength, energy absorption and ductility factor. Subsequently, a mix design model for geopolymer composites was developed, considering the influence of PVA fiber dos-age and molarities. The model was validated using a statistical technique called Response Surface Methodology [RSM], ensuring its accuracy and reliability. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into optimizing the dosage of PVA fibers in geopolymer composites, enabling production of sustainable and reinforced bendable concrete.