Flexural strength and load–deformation relationship of fly‐ash‐based geopolymer concrete beams.

Four‐point bending tests were conducted to investigate the flexural properties of fly‐ash‐based geopolymer concrete beams. Although geopolymer concrete has a stress–strain relationship with brittle compressive softening behavior, it can be used as a flexural member because it exhibits ductile bending moment–deflection relationships when used with compression reinforcing bars and transverse reinforcement. The test results revealed that the conventional design method can be used to estimate the bending moment–deflection relationship of geopolymer concrete beams. However, the stiffness reduction ratio for yielding must be modified to consider the difference in the modulus of elasticity between geopolymer concrete and ordinary Portland cement concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]