Experimental Investigation of the Strength and Durability of Chopped Basalt Fiber Concrete for Structural Applications

Year 2026, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 76 - 90

Abhijeet Ulagadde , Atul Bhatore

https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1770956

Abstract

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

Keywords

Basalt fiber , Durability , strength , Sorptivity , Water absorption

Project Number

01

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