Analysis of basalt fiber reinforcement on static shear properties of Beibu Gulf sea sand

Abstract

Basalt fibers are a reinforcing material with excellent mechanical properties and durability. In contrast, although Beibu Gulf sea sand is widely in engineering, it exhibits low strength and poor stability, which can be improved by adding basalt fibers. In this study, the effects of fiber content, fiber length, and effective confining pressure on the static shear strength of fiber-reinforced sea sand were investigated using a triaxial shear test. The maximum improvement on the static shear characteristics and deformation resistance of sea sand were achieved for a fiber content and length of 0.8% and 12 mm, respectively. The cohesion and internal friction angle of sea sand were improved and the secant modulus and strain before and after basalt fiber reinforcement showed a nonlinear attenuation tendency. The reinforcement effect coefficient R and the basalt fiber content under different dosages were in accordance with the law of the Gaussian function. The value of R conformed to a linear growth and exponential function law under different fiber lengths and effective confining pressures, respectively. This study provides a solid theoretical basis for the sustainable utilization of sea sand resources and fiber reinforcement for road and coastal protection engineering in the Beibu Gulf region.