IJSTE - International Journal of Science Technology & Engineering | Volume 4 | Issue 1 | July 2017 ISSN (online): 2349-784X
A Practical Investigation on the Behaviour of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete S. Venkateswara Rao M. Tech Student Department of Civil Engineering Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Shaik. Yajdani Associate Professor Department of Civil Engineering Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
Abstract Concrete made with Portland cement has certain characteristics, it is relatively strong in compression but weak in tension and tends to be brittle. These two weaknesses have limited its use. Another fundamental weakness of concrete is that cracks start to form as soon as concrete is placed and before it has properly hardened. These cracks are major cause of weakness in concrete particularly in large onsite applications leading to subsequent fracture and failure and general lack of durability. The weakness in tension can be overcome by the use of conventional rod reinforcement and to some extent by the inclusion of a sufficient volume of certain fibers. This thesis represent the art of knowledge of basalt fiber, it is relatively new material. Basalt fiber is a high performance non-metallic fiber made from basalt rock melted at high temperature. In the last decade, basalt has emerged as a contender in the fiber reinforcement of composites. Basalt fiber reinforced concrete offers more characteristics such as light weight, good fire resistance and strength. In future it is very beneficial for construction industry. The study on basalt fiber reinforced concretes workability and strength properties of concrete with basalt fibers in proportions of 0, 1, 3 & 5 kg/m 3 for M20 and M40 grades at 7,28, 56 and 91 days age of curing can be presented in this thesis. Keywords: BFRC, Basal Fiber, Properties of materials, Compressive Strength, split-tensile and flexural strengths ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I.
INTRODUCTION
Plain concrete is weak in tension because it contains numerous micro-cracks. The micro cracks begin to propagate in the matrix when load is applied. Consequently, plain concrete members cannot sustain tensile stresses developed due to the applied forces without the addition of reinforcing elements (re-bar or wire mesh) in the tensile zone. The propagation of micro-cracks and macrocracks, however, still cannot be arrested by the sole use of continuous reinforcement. The addition of randomly spaced discontinuous fibers help in arresting the propagation of the micro-cracks and macro-cracks. Randomly dispersed fibers in concrete help in reducing the crack width thus, reduces the permeability of concrete. In addition to crack control, fibers also improve the mechanical properties of plain concrete such as fracture resistance, resistance to impact, and resistance to dynamic loads. Basalt fiber is an inorganic material produced from volcanic rock called Basalt. The production of basalt fibers does not create any environmental waste and it is non-toxic in use. Basalt fiber is a unique construction material with high tensile strength, good thermal endurance, and stable in all aggressive environments. II. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The specific objectives of the present investigations are as listed below. To conduct feasibility study of producing concrete using basalt Fibers. To evaluate the workability characteristics in terms of compaction factor, slump cone and Vee-bee test for M20 and M40 grades of concrete along with basalt fibers (0,1,3 & 5 kg/m3). To evaluate the compressive strength at 7, 28, 56 and 91days of Conventional Concrete and BFRC. To evaluate the split tensile strength at 7, 28, 56 and 91 days of Conventional Concrete and BFRC. To evaluate the flexural strength at 7, 28, 56 and 91 days of Conventional Concrete and BFRC. III. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM Materials Used In this thesis work various materials like Cement, Fine Aggregate ,Coarse Aggregate, water and Basalt fibers were used and their properties are examined by taking the help of IS [INDIAN STANDARD] codes. Cement Ordinary Portland cement of 43 Grade was preferred for this study. The physical properties of cement are categorized in table 1 as per IS 8112-1989.
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