Durability of Basalt Fibers in Concrete Medium

Abstract

<jats:p>This study investigates the durability of basalt fiber following immersion in a range of chemical solutions representative of the concrete medium. The tests were conducted over a 62-day period and the solutions were sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate and combinations of the three. Weight loss was observed in all alkali solutions, with the worst being the combination of sodium hydroxide with sodium sulfate. The impact of chloride was minimal in the alkaline environment and reduced the impact of the sulfate when both were present. Microstructure analysis using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) found that the silica structure present in basalt fibers was degraded by the OH-from an alkaline medium. The study suggests the need for modification or treatment of basalt fibers before use as fiber reinforcement in concrete. </jats:p>

Amazing Types, Properties, and Applications of Fibres in Construction Materials

“…Notwithstanding the many benefits when using basalt fibre, there is a disadvantage. It has been found that independently basalt fibres do not perform well in alkali environments [7]. They do not have great alkaline resistance.…”

“…Basalt fibres show a lot of potential as they have many benefits and are cheap. Minimal research has been undertaken to examine basalt fibres in alkaline environments [7]. Recently, Myadaraboina et al investigated this topic and stated that basalt fibres may not be suitable in concrete applications due to the alkaline environment [7].…”

“…Minimal research has been undertaken to examine basalt fibres in alkaline environments [7]. Recently, Myadaraboina et al investigated this topic and stated that basalt fibres may not be suitable in concrete applications due to the alkaline environment [7]. It was confirmed that the basalt fibres did degrade in the alkaline environment of the concrete and they recommended that treatment or modification is applied to the fibre before applications in alkaline environments [7].…”

“…For roughly 50 years, fibres have been added to concrete applications in the construction and civil industry [6]. More recently, fibre-reinforced polymers have been used in the construction industry for over two decades, demonstrating positive benefits such as increased strength [7] and being lightweight and resistant to corrosion.…”

“…Fibres have different characteristics and come in a range of shapes and sizes. If implemented, the fibre type will need to be carefully considered and chosen, as some fibres, such as glass, basalt, and recycled polyethylene terephthalate fibres, can be degraded in alkaline environments [7,9,11].…”