TY  - JOUR
T1  - Experimental Investigation of the Strength and Durability of Chopped Basalt Fiber Concrete for Structural Applications
AU  - Ulagadde, Abhijeet
AU  - Bhatore, Atul
PY  - 2025
DA  - October
Y2  - 2025
DO  - 10.31127/tuje.1770956
JF  - Turkish Journal of Engineering
JO  - TUJE
PB  - Murat YAKAR
WT  - DergiPark
SN  - 2587-1366
SP  - 76
EP  - 90
VL  - 10
IS  - 1
LA  - en
AB  - This study investigated the effect of 12 and 24 mm chopped basalt fiber on mechanical and durability properties for structural concrete.  The chopped basalt fiber contents were varied at 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.25% and 1.50% of the total mix volume. The results showed that basalt fibers significantly prolong both initial and final setting times of cement paste. Additionally, fiber addition reduces slump, affecting concrete workability. The results showed that increasing 12 mm basalt fiber content enhances compressive strength, with more significant gains achieved using 24 mm fibers. Concrete reinforced with 24 mm basalt fibers showed superior splitting tensile strength compared to 12 mm fibers for M20 and M30 concretes. Basalt fibers enhance interface bonding, and longer fibers form tiny bridges, increasing pull-out resistance and splitting tensile strength by up to 30.08%. Flexural strength tests reveal that concrete reinforced with 12 mm and 24 mm basalt fibers outperforms conventional concrete. Notably, 1% fiber content in both samples yields significant flexural strength increases compared to the control concrete. Normal concrete cubes showed consistent weight loss with increasing temperature. In contrast, concrete with 12 mm basalt fibers had significantly less weight loss at 250°C and 300°C, with 24 mm fibers performing even better. Basalt fibers substantially reduce concrete's water absorption rate, enhancing durability and resistance to moisture damage. Sorptivity tests on concrete with 12 mm and 24 mm basalt fibers showed significant reductions at 0.75% fiber content. Higher percentages (1-1.5%) and longer fibers further reduce sorptivity, hindering water penetration and decreasing concrete porosity. Basalt fibers offer a sustainable and effective reinforcement solution for structural concrete applications. The optimal fiber length for enhanced mechanical and durability properties is 24 mm, making it a promising material for concrete reinforcement
KW  - Basalt fiber
KW  - Durability
KW  - strength
KW  - Sorptivity
KW  - Water absorption
CR  - REFERENCE LIST
Soares, B., Preto, R., & Reis, Sousa, L. (2016). Mechanical behavior of basalt fibers in a basalt-UP composite. Procedia Structural Integrity. 1, 82–89. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.prostr.2016.02.012
CR  - Jamshaid, H., Militký, J., Mishra, R., & Koukolikova, L. (2017). Basalt fibers and their composites, in: Novelties in Fibrous Material Science. 2–61.
CR  - De, Fazio, P.(2011). Basalt Fibra: from Earth and Ancient Material for Innovative and Modern Application. Ambiente e Innovazione, Energia.
CR  - Jamshaid, H., & Mishra, R. (2015). A green material from rock: basalt fiber – a review. Journal of the Textile Institute. 107 (7),923–937. https://doi.org/10.1080/ 00405000.2015.1071940
CR  - Wu, G., Wang, X., Wu, Z., Dong, Z., & Zhang, G. (2014). Durability of basalt fibers and composites in corrosive environments.  Journal of Composite Material. 49 (7), 873–887.  https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998314526628
CR  - Lu, Z., Tan, S., Huang, P., Lei, Z., Liu, F., & Xie, J. (2020). Durability of cement mortar-covered BFRP bars in simulated seawater environment, Construction and Building Material. 234, 117803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117803.
CR  - Lu, Z., Su, L., Tan, S., Li, Y., Xie, J., & Liu, F. (2020). Long-term shear performance of bare and cement mortar-coated BFRP bars in corrosive environments. Construction and Building Material. 237, 117658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. conbuildmat.2019.117658.
CR  - Lu, Z., Su, L., Xian, G., Lu, B., & Xie, J. (2020). Durability study of concrete-covered basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars in marine environment. Composite Structure. 234, 111650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2019.111650.
CR  - Sim, J., Park, C., & Moon, D.Y. (2005). Characteristics of basalt fiber as a strengthening material for concrete structures. Composite Part B: Engineering. 36 (6–7), 504–512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2005.02.002.
CR  - Lu, Z., & Xian, G. (2016). Resistance of basalt fibers to elevated temperatures and water or alkaline solution immersion. Polymer Composite. 39,2385–2393.
CR  - Karim, M., A., Abdullah, M., Z., Deifalla, A., F., Azab M., & Waqar A. (2023). An assessment of the processing parameters and application of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) in the petroleum and natural gas industries: A review. Results in Engineering. 18, 101091. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2023.101091
CR  - Bakis, C.E. (2002). Fiber-reinforced polymer composites for construction - state-of-the-art review. Journal of Composite Construction. 6 (2), 73–87. https://doi.org/ 10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0268(2002)6:2(73)
CR  - Chandra Das, S., & Haque Nizam, E. (2014). Applications of fibber reinforced polymer composites (FRP) in civil engineering. International Journal of Advanced Structures and Geotechnical Engineering. 3 (3), 2319–5347.
CR  - Alsubari, S., Zuhri, M.Y.M., Sapuan, S.M., Ishak, M.R., Ilyas, R.A., & Asyraf, M.R.M. (2021). Potential of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites in sandwich structures: a review on its mechanical properties. Polymers. 13 (3), 1–20. https://doi. org/10.3390/polym13030423
CR  - Huang, T., & Zhang, Y.X. (2022). Multiscale modeling of multiple-cracking fracture behavior of engineered cementitious composite (ECC). Advances in Engineered Cementitious Composites, Materials, Structures, and Numerical Modeling.   337–388. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-85149-7.00003-3
CR  - Hou, L., Wang, J., Huang, T., Shen, C., Aslani, F., & Chen, D. (2019). Flexural behaviour of corroded reinforced concrete beams repaired with ultra-high toughness cementitious composite. Construction and Building Materials. 211, 1127–1137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.03.214
CR  - Hou, L., Xu, R., Zang, Y., Ouyang, F., Chen, D., & Zhong, L., (2020). Bond behavior between reinforcement and ultra-high toughness cementitious composite in flexural members. Engineering Structures. 210, 110357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2020.110357
CR  - Nassani, D.E. (2020). Experimental and analytical study of the mechanical and flexural behavior of hybrid fiber concretes. Structures. 28, 1746–1755. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.istruc.2020.10.014
CR  - Janotka, I., Krajˇcí, Ľ., Komloˇs, K., & Frťalov´a, D. (1989). Chloride corrosion of steel fibre reinforcement in cement mortar. International Journal of Cement Composites and Lightweight Concrete. 11, 221–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/0262-075(89)90102-4.
CR  - Jiang, C., Fan, K., Wu, F., & Chen, D. (2014). Experimental study on the mechanical properties and microstructure of chopped basalt fibre reinforced concrete. Materials and Design. 58, 187–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2014.01.056
CR  - John, V.J. & Dharmar, B. (2021). Influence of basalt fibers on the mechanical behavior of concrete - a review. Structural Concrete. 22, 491–502. https://doi.org/10.1002/ suco.201900086
CR  - Masne, N., Chaudhari, A., Pawar, A. (2025). Simple model to predict the torsional strength of recycled aggregate concrete beam. Asian Journal of Civil Engineering. 26, 2117-2133.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s42107-025-01302-1
CR  - Ditao, Niu., Li, Su., Yang, Luo., Daguan, Huang. & Daming, Luo.(2020). Experimental study on mechanical properties and durability of basalt fiber reinforced coral aggregate concrete, Construction and Building Materials, 237, 117628.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117628
CR  - Tavadi, A.R., Naik, Y., Kumaresan K., Jamadar N.I. & Rajaravi, C. (2021). Basalt fiber and its composite manufacturing and applications: An overview. International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, 13(4), 50-56. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijest.v13i4.6
CR  - Deng, X. Hoo, M.S. Cheah, Y.W. & Tran, L.Q.N. (2022). Processing and Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fibre-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites. Polymer. 14, 1220. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061220
CR  - Ehab, T., Al-Rousan, Hammad, R., Khalid, & Muhammad, Kalimur, Rahman. (2023). Fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of basalt fiber-reinforced concrete (BFRC): A review, Developments in the Built Environment.  14.100155.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2023.100155
CR  - Saranya.M, AP. (2024). Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete with Steel and Basalt Fiber. International Conference on Core Engineering and Technology 2024 (Iccet'24), Peri Institute of Technology, Chennai-48; 2024, Irjedt: 06 (06).
CR  - Shuhao, Qin, & Liao, Wu. (2025). Study on mechanical properties and mechanism of new basalt fiber reinforced concrete, Case Studies in Construction Materials, 22. e04290.   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04290
CR  - BIS IS: 12269 (2013) Ordinary Portland cement, 53 grade-specifications. BIS. New Delhi India.
CR  - BIS IS: 383-1970 (reaffirmed 2016): Specification for coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources for concrete. BIS. New Delhi India.
CR  - BIS IS: 9103 (2004). Concrete Admixtures Specification. BIS. New Delhi, India.
CR  - BIS IS: 456 (2020). Indian standard plain and reinforced concrete code of practice. BIS. New Delhi, India.
CR  - Punurai, W., Kroehong, W., Saptamongkol, A., & Chindaprasirt, P. (2018). Mechanical properties, microstructure and drying shrinkage of hybrid fly ash-basalt fiber geopolymer paste. Construction and Building Materials. 186, 62–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.07.115
CR  - Saloni, P., & Pham, T.M. (2020). Enhanced properties of high-silica rice husk ash-based geopolymer paste by incorporating basalt fibers. Construction and Building Materials. 245, 118422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118422
CR  - BIS IS: 10262 (2009) Concrete mix proportioning-Guidelines, BIS, New Delhi, India.
CR  - Chen, B., & Liu, J. (2005). Contribution of hybrid fibres on the properties of the high strength lightweight concrete having good workability.  Cement and Concrete Research. 35(5). 913–7.
CR  - BIS IS: 516 (2004) Method of tests for strength of concrete. BIS. New Delhi, India.
CR  - Palchik, P, P. (2011). On control testing of fiber-concrete samples to determine their compression and tensile strength at bending. Protocol No 64-1-11, Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture.
CR  - Jun, W., & Ye, Z. (2010). Experimental research on mechanical and working properties of non-dipping chopped basalt fiber reinforced concrete, 3rd International Conference on Information Management, Innovation Management and Industrial Engineering. China, 635–637.
CR  - BIS IS:5816 (2004) Method of tests for strength of concrete. BIS. New Delhi, India.
CR  - Elamvazhudi, B, O., Arul Karthikeyan, S., Dhinagaran, E., & Kathiravan, S, Navinkumar. (2025). Finite Element Failure Analysis on Carbon Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Laminates. Turkish Jornal of Engineering, 9 (2), 394-401.  https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1513761
CR  - Demiröz, A., & Saran, O. (2024). Investigation of the effect of additives on the microstructure of clay. Turkish Jouranl of Engineering. 8 (3), 563-571. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1439113
CR  - Pooja, D., Lakshmi, T, S., & Sivasubramani, P, A. (2025). Bayesian Statistics for Sustainable Cementitious Systems with a Partial Replacement of Coconut Shell Ash as a Cement Material. Turkish Journal of Engineering. 9 (3), 447-459. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1561101
CR  - Masne, N., & Pawar, A. (2024). Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Solid and Hollow Recycled Aggregate Concrete Beams Subjected To Torsion. Research on Engineering Structures and Materials (RESM). http://dx.doi.org/10.17515/resm2024.457me0920rs
CR  - Masne, N., & Suryawanshi, S. (2023). Effect of replacement ratio on the torsional behaviour of recycled aggregate concrete beams. International Journal of Engineering, Transactions A: Basics, 36 (04): 659-668.  https://doi.org/10.5829/ije.2023.36.04a.06
CR  - Kılınçarslan, Ş., & Şimşek Türker, Y. (2023). Strengthening of solid beam with fiber reinforced polymers. Turkish Journal of Engineering, 7(3), 166-171. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1026075
CR  - Kepir, Y., Gunoz, A., & Kara, M., (2022). Repairing of damaged composite materials and selfhealing composites, Turkish Journal of Engineering, 6(2), 149-155.  https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.866955
CR  - Bayer, İ. R., Turanlı, L., & Mehta, P. K. (2019). Mass Concrete Constructıon Usıng Self-Compactıng Mortar. Turkish Journal of Engineering, 3(3), 110-119. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.462548
UR  - https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1770956
L1  - https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/5180975
ER  -