Fracture properties of GGBS-dolomite geopolymer concrete

Purpose This study aims to predict the fracture properties of geopolymer concrete, which is necessary for studying failure behaviour of concrete. Design/methodology/approach Geopolymers are new alternative binders for cement in which polymerization gives strength to concrete rather than through hydration. Geopolymer concrete was developed from industrial byproducts such as GGBS and dolomite. Present study estimates the fracture energy of GGBS geopolymer concrete using three point bending test (RILEM TC50-FMC) with different percentages of dolomite and compare with cement concrete having same strength. Findings The fracture properties such as peak load, critical stress intensity factor, fracture energy and characteristic length are found to be higher for GGBS-dolomite geopolymer concrete, when their proportion becomes 70:30. Originality/value To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is an original experimental work.