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

• Published in: Energies (Basel) Vol. 16; no. 8; p. 3579
• Main Authors: Ajmal, Muhammad Mubashir, Qazi, Asad Ullah, Ahmed, Ali, Mughal, Ubaid Ahmad, Abbas, Safeer, Kazmi, Syed Minhaj Saleem, Munir, Muhammad Junaid
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-04-2023
• Subjects: Analysis; ANSYS; Cement; Computer software industry; Concrete; Construction; Decarbonization; Earthquake engineering; Earthquake resistance; Earthquake resistant design; Earthquake resistant structures; Earthquakes; Emissions; Energy; Energy consumption; Energy efficiency; Energy management systems; Energy use; Fly ash; Geopolymers; GPC bare frame; GPC confined masonry; Lateral loads; Load; Manufacturing; Masonry; Mathematical models; Numerical analysis; numerical simulation; Pakistan; reverse cyclic loading; Seismic activity; Seismic engineering; Simulation methods; Stiffness; Structural behavior; Structural engineering; Sustainability; United States; United States; Pakistan; Italy; Iran; China; Indonesia
• ISSN: 1996-1073; 1996-1073
• DOI: 10.3390/en16083579

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.