Performance of an alkali-activated slag concrete reinforced with steel fibers

This study investigated mechanical and permeability properties at early ages of an alkali-activated slag concrete (AASC) reinforced with steel fibers. The compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths, flexural notch sensitivity, pull-out and water absorption properties were evaluated. Test results reveal a reduction of AASC compressive strengths with fiber incorporations. However, splitting tensile and flexural strengths were largely improved with increasing fiber volume, varying from 3.75 to 4.64 MPa and from 6.40 to 8.86 MPa at 28 days of curing, respectively. The properties related to durability performance as water absorption, capillarity and water resistance penetration were enhanced with the steel fibers addition. The results show the enormous potential of AASC as building material with and without steel fiber reinforcement.