NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF NONLINEAR BEHAVIOUR AND FAILURE PATTERNS OF GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE BEAMS

Abstract

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed using ANSYS Workbench to simulate the structural response of GPC beams under two-point loading and to validate the experimental results. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model was developed considering material nonlinearity, cracking in tension, and crushing in compression using SOLID65 and LINK8 elements. Parameters such as load–deflection behaviour, stress distribution, crack patterns, first cracking load, ultimate load, and failure modes were analyzed. The Newton–Raphson iterative method was employed to achieve convergence in nonlinear analysis. The analytical results were compared with experimental findings for different geopolymer mixes and molarity levels.The results indicate a good correlation between experimental and numerical outcomes in terms of load-carrying capacity, deflection, and failure patterns. Finite element models were found to be slightly stiffer than experimental beams due to the assumption of perfect bond between concrete and steel reinforcement and the absence of microcrack effects in the numerical model.. Higher alkaline molarity and fibre content improved stress distribution and load resistance.