Performance aspects such as load carrying capacity, deflection and strains at different stages were studied. In addition the use of the finite element method for the analysis of RGPC beams was carried out and the results were compared with the experimental values.

Experimental programme

2.1 Materials

The material consists of ASTM class F fly ash of fineness modulus 7.86 and Specific gravity of 2.30 was obtained from Mettur power plant, Tamil Nadu. River sand (FA) of specific gravity 2.64 and fineness modulus 2.15 conforming to zone II of IS 383:1970 and locally available coarse aggregate (CA) passed through 20 mm IS sieve and retained on 10 mm sieve was used. The coarse aggregate conforming to IS:2386-1968 part III, were found to have specific gravity 2.83 and fineness modulus 6.4. The alkaline activators like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) pellets (98% - 100% pure) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) solution (12% Na2O and 30% SiO2) were used. The sodium hydroxide pellets were dissolved in the required amount of water according to the desired molarity. The grade of steel used was Fe 415.