Durability assessment of basalt fiber polymer as reinforcement to expanded clay concrete in harsh environment

Abstract

Basalt fiber-reinforced polymer composites are receiving considerable attention as they represent a low-cost green source of raw materials. In most cases, fiber-reinforced polymer composites face harsh environments, such as chloride ions in coastal marine environments or cold regions with salt deicing. The resistance of fiber-reinforced polymers subjected to the above environments is critical for the safe design and application of such composites. This research aims to develop a framework to investigate the durability properties of the lightweight expanded clay basalt fiber polymer reinforced concrete exposed to the NaCl environment. The specified quantity of concrete structural elements was cured in its specified curing solution for 28-day curing period before testing. The main effect of micro silica is to enhance concrete strength and durability. Dispersed basalt fibers with 20 mm length and 1.6 percent volume were added to the concrete mixtures. The concrete beams were reinforced with 2∅10 mm rebars as reinforcement while the concrete cylindrical columns were reinforced with dispersed chopped basalt fiber. The results show that addition of dispersed chopped basalt fiber in the concrete caused an increase in the flexural and compressive strength of the concrete structural elements. Micro silica enhanced the concrete strength even when immersed in NaCl solution. Basalt fiber and micro silica fume utilization enhanced the mechanical properties of the concrete.

Low-Cycle Reverse Loading Tests of the Continuous Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Column Filled with Concrete

“…Continuous basalt fiber (CBF) is a new inorganic fiber material [8]. It has the advantages of natural raw materials, high comprehensive performance, low cost, and better compatibility with concrete [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. Compared with continuous fibers such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, and aramid fiber, it has better physical and mechanical properties.…”

Environmental Efficiency Aspects of Basalt Fibers Reinforcement in Concrete Mixtures

“…The robustness and widely standardized methodology of LCA predetermined its use for benchmarking various materials, including building material components. Taking into account the environmental footprint of building materials, the utilization of basalt fibers as a concrete reinforcement is widely presumed to be a prospective solution [21]. Notwithstanding, the overall impact needs to be discussed in a broader perspective to follow the sustainability principles similarly to the previously described environmental impacts of glass and carbon fiber-reinforced [13].…”