Axial Compression Behavior of Ferrocement Geopolymer HSC Columns

Current construction practices rely heavily on traditional reinforced concrete, which has high carbon emissions and material costs. Alternative materials such as geopolymer concrete have been explored for their durability and environmental benefits. However, the structural performance of geopolymer-based columns under axial compression remains understudied. Prior research has shown that geopolymer mixtures can replace Portland cement with industrial byproducts like fly ash and slag. No prior work had resolved the behavior of ferrocement-reinforced geopolymer columns using rice straw ash. This gap motivated the investigation into how different mesh types and configurations affect the load-bearing capacity and failure modes of such columns. The uncertainty in material response under axial loading remains a key challenge in sustainable construction. This study aimed to address these issues by testing various mesh-reinforced geopolymer columns. The need for lightweight, cost-effective, and eco-friendly structural elements is evident in modern infrastructure development.

The study aimed to evaluate the axial compression behavior of ferrocement geopolymer high-strength concrete (HSC) columns. These columns were fabricated using rice straw ash and reinforced with different types of meshes. The objective was to determine whether these columns could serve as viable alternatives to traditional reinforced concrete members. The researchers focused on the structural performance of the columns under axial loading. They examined how different mesh types and configurations influence the ultimate failure load and ductility. The motivation for this work came from the need for lightweight, cost-effective, and sustainable building materials. The study also aimed to explore the use of low-cost materials such as expanded wire mesh, welded wire mesh, and nonmetallic Tensar mesh. The goal was to compare the performance of these materials in terms of load capacity and failure behavior. The researchers intended to validate their findings through both experimental testing and finite element modeling.

The researchers fabricated nine geopolymer ferrocement columns with dimensions of 150 mm × 150 mm × 1600 mm. Each column used rice straw ash as a binding material and was reinforced with different mesh types and configurations. The columns were subjected to axial compression loading until failure. The experimental setup included measuring mid-span deflection, first crack load, and ultimate failure load. The researchers also recorded cracking patterns and energy absorption during the tests. A finite element model was developed using ANSYS2019-R1 to simulate the behavior of the columns. The model was validated against the experimental results to ensure accuracy. The study compared the performance of columns reinforced with expanded wire mesh, welded wire mesh, and nonmetallic Tensar mesh. The researchers evaluated the effect of mesh type and layer count on the structural response. The experimental and analytical data were analyzed to determine the load-bearing capacity and ductility of the columns.

The experimental results showed that columns reinforced with expanded or welded wire mesh had higher ultimate failure loads than the control column. The welded wire mesh columns exhibited a 28.10% increase in ultimate failure load compared to the expanded wire mesh columns. Columns with one layer of nonmetallic Tensar mesh achieved the highest ultimate failure load without concrete cover spalling. The first crack load and mid-span deflection varied depending on the mesh type and configuration. The energy absorption and ductility index were also influenced by the reinforcement strategy. The cracking patterns indicated that the mesh type affected the failure mode of the columns. The finite element model closely matched the experimental results, confirming the accuracy of the simulations. The study demonstrated that ferrocement-reinforced geopolymer columns can perform well under axial compression. The results suggest that these columns are a viable alternative to traditional reinforced concrete members.

The study concluded that ferrocement-reinforced geopolymer columns can provide acceptable structural performance under axial compression. The welded wire mesh columns showed the highest improvement in ultimate failure load compared to other mesh types. The nonmetallic Tensar mesh columns performed well without concrete cover spalling. The researchers observed that the mesh type and configuration significantly influenced the load-bearing capacity and failure behavior. The experimental and finite element results were in good agreement, validating the accuracy of the simulations. The study demonstrated that using low-cost materials such as rice straw ash and welded wire mesh can enhance the structural performance of geopolymer columns. The findings suggest that these columns can serve as cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to traditional reinforced concrete. The researchers propose that further studies should explore the long-term durability and behavior of these columns under different loading conditions.