New Hybrid Laminate Material
A new Hybrid Laminate Material with advanced properties was designed and developed through the cooperation of the Frederick Research Center, the University of Cyprus and the RECS Engineers Ltd within the frame of BAM research project. The new material is intended for the protection of buildings and structures against terrorist acts and fires and consists of two layers: an Ultra High-Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) layer with high mechanical strength, impact and blast resistance and a Fire-Resistant Geopolymer (FRG) layer that can successfully withstand a fire for two hours, at least.
The Fire-Resistant Geopolymer is based on two industrial wastes: fly ash generated in energy production plants and blast furnace slag generated in steel primary production, providing thus with sustainability the Hybrid Laminate Material.
The production of this advanced material is based on the geopolymerization technology and takes place at ambient temperature, reducing extremely its environmental footprint while it utilizes an industrial waste, the blast furnace slag, providing with the additional benefit of sustainability.
In the continuation of the project, the addition of various fibers will be experimentally tested, to enhance the flexural strength of the material and its impact and blast resistance.