Development of a Seismic Design and Retrofitting Methodology for Flat Plate Structures using Lightweight Engineered Geopolymer Composites

Faculty Development Competitive Research Grant Program (General) 2024-2026

The objective of the project is to develop a seismic design and retrofitting methodology for flat-plate structures using lightweight engineered geopolymer composites (EGC), a “green” version of engineered cementitious composites (ECC). The proposed methodology will be applied to design new and retrofit existing structures to improve their seismic resistance. The design and retrofitting methodology will be applied in high/moderate seismic zones and be aligned with Kazakhstan seismic design code. The methodology will incorporate lightweight EGC as thin layers (10-15 mm) attached to the surfaces of the slab. The EGC composite is targeted to have high strain hardening rates under tension and shear. With these features, the composite has potentials to increase the stiffness and strength of the flat plate system, increase punching shear strength and deformability, avoid brittle punching shear failures at excessive structural drifts under earthquake loading, and further improve seismic performance of the flat plate structure. The proposed lightweight composite will also have low thermal conductivity which can be used to improve thermal performance. Sustainable industry byproducts, such as fly ashes, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS), widely available in Kazakhstan will be used for developing the composites. The proposed methodology is intended to increase the resilience of the flat plate structure in resisting earthquakes as well as reducing building energy consumptions, thereby improving overall urban sustainability.