The Structural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: A Review
Geopolymers (GPs), as promising alternatives to ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based concrete, have gained interest in the last 20 years due to their enhanced mechanical properties, durability, and lower environmental impact. Synthesized from industrial by-products such as slag and fly ash, geopolym...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Eng |
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| author | Salvatore Benfratello Luigi Palizzolo Carmelo Sanfilippo Antonino Valenza Sana Ullah |
| author_facet | Salvatore Benfratello Luigi Palizzolo Carmelo Sanfilippo Antonino Valenza Sana Ullah |
| author_sort | Salvatore Benfratello |
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| description | Geopolymers (GPs), as promising alternatives to ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based concrete, have gained interest in the last 20 years due to their enhanced mechanical properties, durability, and lower environmental impact. Synthesized from industrial by-products such as slag and fly ash, geopolymers offer a sustainable solution to waste management, resource utilization, and carbon dioxide reduction. However, similarly to OPC, geopolymers exhibit brittle behavior, and this characteristic defines a limit for structural applications. To tackle this issue, researchers have focused on the characterization, development, and implementation of fiber-reinforced geopolymers (FRGs), which incorporate various fibers to enhance toughness, ductility, and crack resistance, allowing their use in a wide range of structural applications. Following a general overview of sustainability considerations, this review critically analyzes the structural performance and capability of geopolymers in structural repair applications. Geopolymers demonstrate notable potential in new construction and repair applications. However, challenges such as complex mix designs, the availability of alkaline activators, curing temperatures, fiber matrix compatibility issues, and limited standards are restricting its large-scale adoption. The analysis and consolidation of an extensive dataset would support the viability of geopolymer as a durable and sustainable alternative to what is currently used in the construction industry, especially when fiber reinforcement is effectively integrated. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b8f81fa9bf6c435eb381ef294e0e5177 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2673-4117 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Eng |
| spelling | doaj-art-b8f81fa9bf6c435eb381ef294e0e51772025-08-20T03:58:27ZengMDPI AGEng2673-41172025-07-016715910.3390/eng6070159The Structural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: A ReviewSalvatore Benfratello0Luigi Palizzolo1Carmelo Sanfilippo2Antonino Valenza3Sana Ullah4Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Bd 8, 90128 Palermo, ItalyDepartment of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Bd 8, 90128 Palermo, ItalyDepartment of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Bd 8, 90128 Palermo, ItalyDepartment of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Bd 8, 90128 Palermo, ItalyDepartment of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Bd 8, 90128 Palermo, ItalyGeopolymers (GPs), as promising alternatives to ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based concrete, have gained interest in the last 20 years due to their enhanced mechanical properties, durability, and lower environmental impact. Synthesized from industrial by-products such as slag and fly ash, geopolymers offer a sustainable solution to waste management, resource utilization, and carbon dioxide reduction. However, similarly to OPC, geopolymers exhibit brittle behavior, and this characteristic defines a limit for structural applications. To tackle this issue, researchers have focused on the characterization, development, and implementation of fiber-reinforced geopolymers (FRGs), which incorporate various fibers to enhance toughness, ductility, and crack resistance, allowing their use in a wide range of structural applications. Following a general overview of sustainability considerations, this review critically analyzes the structural performance and capability of geopolymers in structural repair applications. Geopolymers demonstrate notable potential in new construction and repair applications. However, challenges such as complex mix designs, the availability of alkaline activators, curing temperatures, fiber matrix compatibility issues, and limited standards are restricting its large-scale adoption. The analysis and consolidation of an extensive dataset would support the viability of geopolymer as a durable and sustainable alternative to what is currently used in the construction industry, especially when fiber reinforcement is effectively integrated.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4117/6/7/159geopolymerfiber-reinforced geopolymerSisal fibernatural fiberstructural performanceretrofitting |
| spellingShingle | Salvatore Benfratello Luigi Palizzolo Carmelo Sanfilippo Antonino Valenza Sana Ullah The Structural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: A Review Eng geopolymer fiber-reinforced geopolymer Sisal fiber natural fiber structural performance retrofitting |
| title | The Structural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: A Review |
| title_full | The Structural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: A Review |
| title_fullStr | The Structural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: A Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Structural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: A Review |
| title_short | The Structural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: A Review |
| title_sort | structural performance of fiber reinforced geopolymers a review |
| topic | geopolymer fiber-reinforced geopolymer Sisal fiber natural fiber structural performance retrofitting |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4117/6/7/159 |
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