Structural Performance of Energy Efficient Geopolymer Concrete Confined Masonry: An Approach towards Decarbonization

Muhammad Mubashir Ajmal, Asad Ullah Qazi, Ali Ahmed, Ubaid Ahmad Mughal, Safeer Abbas (), Syed Minhaj Saleem Kazmi () and Muhammad Junaid Munir
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Muhammad Mubashir Ajmal: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Asad Ullah Qazi: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Ali Ahmed: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Ubaid Ahmad Mughal: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Safeer Abbas: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Syed Minhaj Saleem Kazmi: School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
Muhammad Junaid Munir: School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 8, 1-27

Abstract: Geopolymer concrete is preferred over OPC due to its use of energy waste such as fly ash, making it more sustainable and energy-efficient. However, limited research has been done on its seismic characterization in confined masonry, highlighting a gap in sustainable earthquake-resistant structures. Our study compares the performance of alkali-activated fly-ash-based geopolymer concrete bare frame and confined masonry wall panels with conventional concrete. Experimental results showed that geopolymer concrete bare frame has 3.5% higher initial stiffness and 1.0% higher lateral load-bearing capacity compared to conventional concrete. Geopolymer concrete confined masonry exhibited 45.2% higher initial stiffness and 4.1% higher ultimate seismic capacity than traditional concrete. The experimental results were verified using a numerical simulation technique with ANSYS-APDL, showing good correlation. Comparison with previously tested masonry walls revealed that GPC confined masonry has similar structural behavior to cement concrete masonry. This study demonstrates that geopolymer concrete made from waste energy such as fly ash is a sustainable and low-energy substitute for OPC concrete, particularly in highly seismic-prone areas, for a cleaner environment.

Keywords: GPC confined masonry; GPC bare frame; reverse cyclic loading; ANSYS; numerical simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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