Abstract
Geopolymer concrete shares similar
mechanical properties with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete, and
is even provided with better performances in high temperature and high
corrosion circumstances. However, geopolymer binder is still subject to
the disadvantages of large shrinkage and high brittleness, which greatly
limit its application. Fiber reinforcement is widely used in various
geopolymer systems to overcome the brittleness issue, but retains the
high strength. Over the past 10 years, a significant advance has been
made in the research of fiber reinforced geopolymers in terms of
toughening efficiency and durability improvement. This paper, as a mini
review, focuses on three types of fibers, i.e., inorganic fiber, natural
fiber and synthetic fiber, in geopolymers, and their specific effects on
compressive, flexural and tensile strengths, fractural toughness, shear
strength and durability including shrinkage, chemical and freezing-thaw
resistances. The recement understanding of bonding mechanism and
fiber-geopolymer interface are also discussed, and knowledge gaps and
future work challenges are correspondingly pointed out.
Key words: geopolymer, fiber reinforcement, interfacial zone,
mechanical property, durability