Strength attributes and microstructural characterization of basalt fibre incorporated self-compacting concrete

Abstract

The transformation to produce environment-friendly materials around the world demands the construction industry to promote both high-performance and sustainable construction materials. The focus of the study is to develop basalt fibre (BF) incorporated self–compacting concrete (SCC) which provides a plausible solution to meet the demands of the current scenario. BF is known for its excellent strength, durability, and thermal properties. BF is added to the concrete in a volume fraction of 0.1%–0.5%. The characterization of BF and its utilization in SCC is experimentally investigated to determine its compressive, split-tensile, flexural, residual, and impact strength properties. According to the research findings, BF has reduced the diameter of the flow (695 mm–663 mm) and increased the time of flow (3–5.6 s). In contrast, the compressive strength (=52.86 N/mm2) and split-tensile strength (=4.46 N/mm2) has increased at 0.3% volume fraction of BF whereas the flexural strength (=7.06 N/mm2), residual strength (= 2.724 MPa), and impact strength (=4457.44 kNmm) has increased at 0.4% volume fraction of BF. The improved strength properties are due to the bridging effect and prevention of microcrack progression. The predicted regression-based analytical models exhibited a good correlation with analytical models of international codes. BF showed good interfacial bonding with the surrounding concrete matrix and improved the thermal stability of the concrete. Eventually, the characterization and strength assessment of BF validates that SCC is a potential material that can be performed better in all of its strength attributes with the inclusion of BF.