Snow-Proof Roadways Using Steel Fiber–Reinforced Fly Ash Geopolymer Mortar–Concrete
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33, Issue 2
Abstract
Geopolymer composite is an innovative and ecofriendly construction material and an alternative to portland cement. Geopolymer concrete is a multifunction material that can be used for different purposes. One of the applications that recently has attracted attention is in snowproof roadways. This paper studied the compressive strength and stiffness of fly ash–based geopolymer with different volume percentages of -long (12.7 mm) steel-fiber reinforcement at different curing conditions. The formed geopolymer concrete was analyzed through compression testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microstructural analysis, and measurement of electrical conductivity. The results showed that the fly ash–based geopolymer mortar can greatly improve the compressive strength and electrical conductivity by using a small amount of steel fibers. Curing at elevated temperatures for the first increased the geoploymer’s strength and stiffness. With improved mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, the developed geopolymer concrete could be used as a pavement material for snowproof roadways. Improved electrical conductivity can increase the heat generated in geopolymer through electricity and help to accelerate snow melting. Steel-fiber reinforcement enhances the geopolymer’s stiffness and strength and makes the geopolymer material satisfactory for the construction requirements for pavements.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The authors are thankful for the financial support from the North Dakota State Department of Transportation for this project; however the findings in this manuscript are purely the authors’ views and responsibility.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33 • Issue 2 • February 2021
Copyright
© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 22, 2019
Accepted: Jul 6, 2020
Published online: Nov 19, 2020
Published in print: Feb 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Apr 19, 2021
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