Interface shear strength evaluation of self compacting geopolymer concrete using push-off test
Mahima Ganeshan, Sreevidya Venkataraman
Abstract
Geopolymer is an eco-friendly material used as an alternative to Portland cement and it can be used in construction practices as a repair material to concrete/as a structural element in construction/ as a whole. This study was mainly intended to understand the efficiency of geopolymers in the structural system when special concretes are involved in construction. Shear bond strength was evaluated for the combination of self compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) and normal self compacting concrete (SCC). SCGC was developed under external exposure curing conditions enabling it to be used in cast-in-situ production. This was achieved by binary blending of mineral admixtures, use of activator solutions, and superplasticizer. Comparative study on two types of push-off tests namely (1) Conventional Push-off test (Type 1) and (2) Push-off test with normal load acting over the shear interface (Type 2) were conducted to evaluate the interface shear strength. Test results were compared with selected shear friction models available from literature and the effect of introducing self compacting geopolymer concrete in composite interfaces were analyzed.