Experimental Analysis of Composite Push Test Integrating Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

This paper primarily focuses on implementing constructions practises that are sustainable, and that can also meet the current demand for infrastructure development around the world.  The cement industry is one of the largest industries in the world, as result current construction practices are causing adverse environmental issues ranging from the excessive utilisation of natural resources, emission of greenhouse gases and producing an excessive amount of waste. Thus, to tackle the problem one encouraging solution is to use alkali activated Geopolymer concrete that utilises waste product such as fly ash and grounded slag as a 100% replacement of Portland cement. Subsequently, this paper presents experimental testing and discusses the behaviour of six (6) steel-concrete composite push test specimens incorporating Geopolymer concrete and OPC concrete. A total of three (3) specimens were fabricated using steel profiled Bondek Sheeting and remaining three (3) specimens had a conventional concrete slab. From the result obtained, it was found that push test specimen with conventional slab outperformed specimens fabricated with Bondek profile sheeting due to the reduced amount of concrete surrounding the shear studs cause by Bondek flanges. Also, the results showed that geopolymer concrete has great potential as it achieved almost identical results as compared to control OPC push test specimens.