Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, cilt.11, sa.2, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
This study aims to investigate the effect of basalt fiber on the mechanical behavior and thermal conductivity properties of structural lightweight geopolymer concrete. Pumice was used as an aggregate, and ground granulated blast furnace slag and metakaolin were used as binders in structural lightweight geopolymer concrete mixtures containing varying proportions of basalt fiber. In this study, the combined effects of basalt fiber and pumice on the mechanical and thermal properties of structural lightweight geopolymer concretes were tried to be revealed. All concretes produced met the minimum compressive strength of 17 MPa specified in the relevant specifications and standards for structural lightweight concrete. Compared to other lightweight concretes, the highest compressive strength was achieved in concrete containing 0.2% basalt fiber, which also demonstrated significantly better thermal conductivity performance compared to lightweight concrete with Portland cement. The thermal conductivity coefficients measured for lightweight geopolymer concretes range from 0.37 to 0.53 W/mK. Characterization analyses reveal good consistency in the paste-pumice transition zone. Similarly, thermogravimetric analyses indicate that weight loss in geopolymer concretes becomes pronounced at around 700 °C. In conclusion, lightweight geopolymer concrete, produced with basalt fiber and pumice, along with industrial byproducts, not only provides low carbon emissions but also significantly reduces thermal conductivity compared to its Portland cement counterpart. This highlights the importance of lightweight geopolymer concrete for sustainable applications, especially considering structural integrity and insulation.