Properties of basalt fiber for enhancing the strength of

concrete structures
RAJANI TOGARSI
Civil Engineering Department
KLS GIT BELAGAVI
Orcid Id: 0000-0001-8162-64404

levels as high as 13-14

4. Moreover, they demonstrate commendable resistance
to both acids and salts
Abstract—This study delved into the application of basalt fiber bars
for flexural reinforcement in concrete elements, as well as the 1.3 Objectives of the Study
utilization of chopped basalt fibers as an additive to augment the i) To study the mechanical properties of Basalt
mechanical properties of concrete. An effort is undertaken to ii) To compare the flexural strength of concrete with
anticipate the influence of basalt fiber on the characteristics of M30
grade concrete across different basalt fiber proportions. Basalt fiber,
BFRC.
a relatively recent addition to fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) and
structural composites, shares a chemical composition akin to glass 2. METHODOLODY
fiber but boasts superior strength properties. Distinguishing itself
from many glass fibers, basalt fiber exhibits high resistance to
alkaline, acidic, and salt aggression, rendering it a promising choice
for applications in concrete, bridges, and shoreline structures.
Key words: BFRC, FRP.

1. INTRODUCTION

Concrete, characterized by a low tensile strength and limited

strain capacity, undergoes notable enhancement in engineering
properties through the incorporation of fibers into its mix. Fiber-
reinforced concrete (FRC) is extensively employed due to its
remarkable corrosion resistance, heightened ductility, and
commendable durability. A variety of fibers, including steel or
organic ones, can be integrated into cement and concrete
composites. An emerging option is basalt fiber, an inorganic
fiber derived from molten basalt rock, now accessible in the
commercial market.
Basalt fibers are derived from basalt rocks melted at
1400 °C, rendering them environmentally safe, non-toxic, and
endowed with high stability and insulating properties [1].
Recently, Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) reinforcing
bars have emerged as a viable alternative to steel reinforcement
in concrete structures and as external reinforcement for
retrofitting existing concrete structures. In contrast to the
widespread use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Fig.1
and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) materials, basalt
fibers have not gained extensive traction. This limited adoption 2.1 Physical Properties of Basalt Fibre
could be attributed to a lack of foundational research and Basalt fibers result from the melting of crushed volcanic
extensive testing needed to establish appropriate design basalt rock in a single-stage process. They are
recommendations and guidelines. Additionally, chopped basalt
characterized by their non-toxic and environmentally
fibers have been introduced as an additive to concrete mixes,
contributing to the production of fiber-reinforced concrete. safe nature. Additionally, basalt fibers (BF) exhibit
notable heat resistance, insulation capabilities, and an
1.1 WHY BASALT? elastic structure.
Following are the physical properties of Basalt.
1. Basalt maintains stability under high-temperature Table 1. Physical Properties of Basalt Fibre
conditions Sl No. Physical Properties Values
2. It has water absorption resistance, sound absorption
capabilities, and exceptional chemical resistance. 1 Tensile Strength (N/mm2) 2800-
3. Basalt fibers exhibit excellent resilience in alkaline 4800
environments, showcasing the ability to endure pH 2 Specific Gravity 2.7
 3 Density (g/m3) 2.6 Sl Physical Values IS CODE
4 Modulus of Elasticity 85-90 No. Properties SPECIFICATION
(N/mm2) 1 Slump Cone 90mm Medium
Volume Basalt Fibre Percentage Change
fraction (N/mm2) in Compressive
2.2 Physical Properties of Basalt Fibre (Vf) Strength
(in %)
Basalt fiber, made from fine basalt fibers, offers superior 7 days 28 days 7 days 28 days
physico-mechanical properties at a lower cost than 0 28.8 40.45 0 0
carbon fiber. Widely used in aerospace and automotive 0.2 26.1 43.12 9.4 6.6
industries, it serves as a fireproof textile and composite 0.25 31.01 48.15 18.8 11.7
material for products like camera tripods. Originating
0.3 32.1 46.95 3.5 2.5
from volcanic rock, it undergoes a spinning process in
0.35 29.85 45.69 7.0 2.7
production. Basalt fibers are environmentally friendly,
0.4 28.01 45.21 6.2 1.1
not causing toxic reactions with water or air pollution. In
BFRP, they provide essential load-bearing, stiffness, 2 Compaction 0.93 Medium
strength, and thermal stability properties. Factor

2.5 Casting and Curing

Cubes measuring 150mm × 150mm x 150mm were cast for
Table 2. Physical Properties of Basalt Fibre compression strength, cylinders of 150mm diameter and 300mm
Sl No. Physical Properties Values height for split tensile strength, and prismatic beams of 100mm
× 100mm × 500mm for flexural strength. The specimens were
1 Tensile Strength (N/mm2) 4.84 demolded and cured for 7 and 28 days.
2 Specific Gravity 2.6
3 Density (g/m3) 2.7 3. Results and Discussion
4 Modulus of Elasticity 100 In this experimental study, specimens were cast
(N/mm2) based on a mix proportion with five different percentages
of basalt fibers. The beams were constructed using a
2.3 Materials Utilised combination of basalt fibers, steel bars, and basalt fiber
polymer bars. They were then tested to determine strength
In this study, we utilized ordinary Portland cement (OPC) parameters, including compression strength, split tensile
grade 53, confirming to IS 8112. Cement properties were tested strength, flexural strength, and durability properties
per standard procedures (IS:12269:1987). Locally available
river sand meeting grading zone II criteria served as fine Table 4. Compressive strength
aggregate, with properties assessed according to IS 2386-1963
and IS 383-1970. The coarse aggregate consisted of 20mm-
sized crushed granules conforming to IS 383:1970, and its
physical properties
were determined following IS: 2386-1963.

2.4 Mixing of Materials

It involves measuring concrete ingredients by either volume or
mass and incorporating them into the mix. While traditionally
done by volume, most specifications now advocate mass
batching for accuracy. The precision percentage is linked to the
mix proportion. Concrete can be categorized into fresh and
hardened forms. The strength and durability of a given mix
depend on proper compaction. In this project, two tests were
conducted on fresh concrete
1. Slump Cone Test
2. Compaction Factor

Table 3. Physical Properties of Fresh Concrete

 1. 7-Day Compressive Strength: With 0.25% basalt fiber
Compressive Strength volume fraction, the compressive strength is 32.1 MPa, which
Comparison is an 18.8% increase compared to the control specimen at 28.8
MPa
Compressive Strength in N/mm2 60
50 2. 28-Day Compressive Strength: With 0.25% basalt fiber
7 Days
40
volume fraction, the compressive strength is 48.15 MPa,
showing a 11.17% increase compared to the control specimen
30
28 Daysat 40.45 MPa
20
10 The flexural test indicates that the addition of basalt fibers to
concrete prismatic beams with a fiber volume fraction of
0
1 2 3 4 5 6
0.35% has a positive impact on flexural strength
Volume Fraction 3. 7-Day Flexural Strength: With 0.35% basalt fiber volume
fraction, the flexural strength is 5.30 MPa, which is a 17.5%
Fig. 2. Compressive Strength Comparison increase compared to the control specimen at 4.45 MPa.

4. 28-Day Flexural Strength: With 0.35% basalt fiber volume

Table 5. Flexural Strength Result
fraction, the flexural strength is 6.81 MPa, showing a 18.8%
increase compared to the control specimen at 5.73 MPa
Volume Percentage Change Basalt Fibre (N/mm2)
fraction in Compressive In summary, the inclusion of basalt fibers in M30 grade concrete
(Vf) Strength at the specified volume fractions significantly improves both
(in %) compressive and flexural strength properties. These findings are
crucial for applications where enhanced strength and durability
7 days 28 7 days 28
are paramount, showcasing the potential of basalt fiber-
days daysreinforced concrete as a viable and effective construction
0 4.45 5.73 0 0 material.
0.2 4.75 6.21 6.7 8.4
0.25 5.10 6.51 7.9 4.8 REFERNCES:
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