Experimental and numerical investigation of fiber-reinforced slag-based geopolymer precast tunnel lining segment

In this study, a new sustainable material was proposed to prepare precast tunnel lining segments (TLS), which were produced using a fiber-reinforced slag-based geopolymer composite. Slag was used as the geopolymer binder. In addition, polypropylene and carbon fibers were added to reinforce TLSs. TLSs were examined in terms of flexural performance, loaddeflection response, ductility, toughness, crack characteristics, and tunnel boring machine (TBM) thrust force. Simultaneously, numerical simulation was performed using finite element analysis. The mechanical characteristics of the geopolymer composite with a fiber content of 1% were used. The results demonstrated that the flexural performance and load-deflection response of the precast TLSs were satisfactory. Furthermore, the numerical results were capable of predicting and realistically capturing the structural behavior of precast TLSs. Therefore, fiber-reinforced slag-based geopolymer composites can be applied as precast TLSs.