Examination of the Usability of Basalt Aggregate in Sifcon

Abstract

In this study, the usability of the quartz and basalt rocks as aggregate in Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Concrete (SIFCON) has been examined. In the study, quartz aggregate has been taken as reference and basalt aggregate has been used as a substitute and separately. The aggregates have been ground and classified in the dimensions of 0-0.1 mm (powder) and 0.1-0.6 mm (sand). The physical properties of the aggregates have been determined and SIFCON slurry has been prepared. The samples produced by this slurry have been conducted to Compressive Strength, Flexural Tensile Strength, Fracture Toughness, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity, Schmidt Hammer tests. Moreover, unit cost has been examined with the different aggregate usages. Consequently; the highest compressive and flexural strength being respectively 99.75 MPa and 32.01 MPa have been reached with the use of quartz aggregate. The compressive strength of the basalt aggregate is 14% lower than that of the quartz aggregate where, its flexural strength almost remained in the same value. It has been observed that basalt aggregate is more economical in terms of unit strength cost. It is suggested that basalt aggregate could also be used in SIFCON as an alternative to the quartz aggregate.

Experimental Study on the Rate of Absorption of Water of Basalt, Polypropylene, and Steel Fibers Reinforced Concrete

“…That might result from relatively high bonding, which blocked water and NaCl solution from traveling between fiber and hardened concrete [6]. The basalt aggregate was used in slurry infiltrated fiber concrete [7]. The anti-cracking behavior of steel fiber in steel fiber ceramic concrete was enhanced with fiber content [8].…”