Enhancing Concrete Strength and Microstructure with Basalt and Steel Fibers in Acid and Base Environments Incorporating Desert Sand
Source abstract
Abstract
Abstract Concrete is widely used in construction due to its remarkable compressive strength and durability. However, its performance can deteriorate when exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as acidic or alkaline surroundings. There has been considerable interest in incorporating both basalt and steel fibers (B&SFs) to enhance the resilience of concrete in such challenging settings. This study presents a comprehensive examination of the influence of B&SFs on the strength and microstructure of concrete, utilizing desert sand as a fine aggregate and subjecting it to exposure to acidic and alkaline environments. Employing a systematic experimental approach, this research assesses concrete samples with varying B&SFs proportions. The study encompasses density and compressive strength tests, complemented by microstructural analyses using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), to analyze the performance of the concrete under diverse environmental conditions. Initial findings indicate that including B&SFs results in a substantial improvement in concrete strength. The role of basalt fibers (BFs) in enhancing the concrete's resistance to acidic environments by mitigating deleterious effects on microstructural integrity is particularly noteworthy. Notably, when exposed to acidic conditions, concrete mixtures containing 0.5% BFs demonstrated the least strength loss. When B&SFs are synergized, their positive effects are amplified, yielding concrete with exceptional resistance to alkaline environments. Microstructural analysis reveals that incorporating fibers refines and strengthens the interconnected matrix of cementitious products, thereby enhancing cohesion and overall strength. Furthermore, this study underscores that desert sand can be a viable alternative to traditional fine aggregates without compromising concrete resistance if it is appropriately reinforced with fibers. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the promising role of B&SFs in augmenting the strength and microstructure of concrete containing desert sand.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Concrete and Cement Materials Research · Innovative concrete reinforcement materials · Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Stabilization
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (42)
Show source-provided references
1. A. I. C. C. o. Concrete and C. Aggregates. (2014). Standard test method for compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimens: ASTM international.
2. A. C143. (2015). "Standard test method for slump of hydraulic-cement concrete," ed: ASTM International Conshohocken, PA.
3. Abu-Jdayil, B., Mourad, A.-H., Hittini, W., Hassan, M., & Hameedi, S. (2019). Traditional, state-of-the-art and renewable thermal building insulation materials: An overview. Construction and Building Materials, 214, 709–735.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.04.102 ↗
4. Afroughsabet, V., Biolzi, L., & Ozbakkaloglu, T. (2017). Influence of double hooked-end steel fibers and slag on mechanical and durability properties of high performance recycled aggregate concrete. Composite Structures, 181, 273–284.10.1016/j.compstruct.2017.08.086 ↗
5. Al-Sabaeei, A. M., Al-Fakih, A., Noura, S., Yaghoubi, E., Alaloul, W., Al-Mansob, R. A., et al. (2022). Utilization of palm oil and its by-products in bio-asphalt and bio-concrete mixtures: A review. Construction and Building Materials, 337, 127552.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127552 ↗
6. Amran, M., Al-Fakih, A., Chu, S., Fediuk, R., Haruna, S., Azevedo, A., et al. (2021). Long-term durability properties of geopolymer concrete: An in-depth review. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 15, e00661.10.1016/j.cscm.2021.e00661 ↗
7. ASTM, A. (2013). "C642-13, Standard Test Method for Density, Absorption, and Voids in Hardened Concrete, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2013," ed.
8. Attah, I., Etim, R., & Ekpo, D. (2018). Behaviour of periwinkle shell ash blended cement concrete in sulphuric acid environment. Nigerian Journal of Technology, 37, 315–321.10.4314/njt.v37i2.5 ↗
9. Bankir, M. B., & Sevim, U. K. (2020). Performance optimization of hybrid fiber concretes against acid and sulfate attack. Journal of Building Engineering, 32, 101443.10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101443 ↗
10. Celestine, A. K., Prakash, M., Satyanarayanan, K., Surya, T. R., & Parthasarathi, N. (2021). The interpretation of mechanical study of concrete using crimped steel fibres. Materials Today: Proceedings, 40, S88–S92.
11. Chen, K., Wu, D., Xia, L., Cai, Q., & Zhang, Z. (2021). Geopolymer concrete durability subjected to aggressive environments—A review of influence factors and comparison with ordinary Portland cement. Construction and Building Materials, 279, 122496.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122496 ↗
12. Chindaprasirt, P., Sriopas, B., Phosri, P., Yoddumrong, P., Anantakarn, K., & Kroehong, W. (2022). Hybrid high calcium fly ash alkali-activated repair material for concrete exposed to sulfate environment. Journal of Building Engineering, 45, 103590.10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103590 ↗
13. Chowdhury, I. R., Pemberton, R., & Summerscales, J. (2022). Developments and industrial applications of basalt fibre reinforced composite materials. Journal of Composites Science, 6, 367.10.3390/jcs6120367 ↗
14. Ghorab, H. Y., & Fetouh, S. H. A. E. (1985). Factors affecting the solubility of gypsum: II. Effect of sodium hydroxide under various conditions. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology Chemical Technology, 35, 36–40.10.1002/jctb.5040350107 ↗
15. Kanaan, D., Soliman, A. M., & Suleiman, A. R. (2022). Zero-cement concrete resistance to external sulfate attack: A critical review and future needs. Sustainability, 14, 2078.10.3390/su14042078 ↗
16. Karimipour, A., & Ghalehnovi, M. (2021). Influence of steel fibres on the mechanical and physical performance of self-compacting concrete manufactured with waste materials and fillers. Construction and Building Materials, 267, 121806.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121806 ↗
17. Khan, M., Cao, M., Chu, S., & Ali, M. (2022a). Properties of hybrid steel-basalt fiber reinforced concrete exposed to different surrounding conditions. Construction and Building Materials, 322, 126340.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.126340 ↗
18. Khan, M., Cao, M., Xie, C., & Ali, M. (2022b). Effectiveness of hybrid steel-basalt fiber reinforced concrete under compression. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 16, e00941.10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e00941 ↗
19. Khandelwal, S., & Rhee, K. Y. (2020). Recent advances in basalt-fiber-reinforced composites: Tailoring the fiber-matrix interface. Composites Part b: Engineering, 192, 108011.10.1016/j.compositesb.2020.108011 ↗
20. Kherbache, S., & Bouzidi, N. (2019). Concretes properties made with machining reject (foundry sand).
21. Kocan, F., & Hicsonmez, U. (2019). Leaching of celestite in sodium hydroxide solutions and kinetic modelling. Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology, 40, 43–54.10.1080/01932691.2018.1464466 ↗
22. Kontoleontos, F., Tsakiridis, P., Marinos, A., Katsiotis, N., Kaloidas, V., & Katsioti, M. (2013). Dry-grinded ultrafine cements hydration. physicochemical and microstructural characterization. Materials Research, 16, 404–416.10.1590/S1516-14392013005000014 ↗
23. Li, M., Gong, F., & Wu, Z. (2020b). Study on mechanical properties of alkali-resistant basalt fiber reinforced concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 245, 118424.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118424 ↗
24. Li, M., Pu, Y., Thomas, V. M., Yoo, C. G., Ozcan, S., Deng, Y., et al. (2020a). Recent advancements of plant-based natural fiber–reinforced composites and their applications. Composites Part b: Engineering, 200, 108254.10.1016/j.compositesb.2020.108254 ↗
25. Li, Y., Zhang, J., He, Y., Huang, G., Li, J., Niu, Z., et al. (2022b). A review on durability of basalt fiber reinforced concrete. Composites Science and Technology, 225, 109519.10.1016/j.compscitech.2022.109519 ↗
26. Li, Z., Zhou, X., Ma, H., & Hou, D. (2022a). Advanced concrete technology. John Wiley & Sons.10.1002/9781119806219 ↗
27. Lian, H., Sun, X., Yu, Z., Yang, T., Zhang, J., Li, G., et al. (2022). Research on the fracture mechanical performance of basalt fiber nano-CaCO3 concrete based on DIC technology. Construction and Building Materials, 329, 127193.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127193 ↗
28. Lipatov, Y. V., Gutnikov, S. I., & Lazoryak, B. I. (2021). Zr-rich basalt continuous fibers with increased alkali resistant properties. Construction and Building Materials, 288, 123089.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123089 ↗
29. Narasimha Reddy, P., & Ahmed Naqash, J. (2019). Experimental study on TGA, XRD and SEM analysis of concrete with ultra-fine slag. International Journal of Engineering, 32, 679–684.
30. Nazarimofrad, E., Shaikh, F. U. A., & Nili, M. (2017). Effects of steel fibre and silica fume on impact behaviour of recycled aggregate concrete. Journal of Sustainable Cement-Based Materials, 6, 54–68.10.1080/21650373.2016.1230900 ↗
31. Ren, D., Yan, C., Duan, P., Zhang, Z., Li, L., & Yan, Z. (2017). Durability performances of wollastonite, tremolite and basalt fiber-reinforced metakaolin geopolymer composites under sulfate and chloride attack. Construction and Building Materials, 134, 56–66.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.12.103 ↗
32. Saleem, A., Medina, L., Skrifvars, M., & Berglin, L. (2020). Hybrid polymer composites of bio-based bast fibers with glass, carbon and basalt fibers for automotive applications—A review. Molecules, 25, 4933.10.3390/molecules25214933 ↗
33. Sedaghat, A., Ram, M. K., Zayed, A., Kamal, R., & Shanahan, N. (2014). Investigation of physical properties of graphene–cement composite for structural applications. Open Journal of Composite Materials. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojcm.2014.4100210.4236/ojcm.2014.41002 ↗
34. Sharma, R., Pei, J., & Jang, J. G. (2022). Resistance of carbonation-cured belite-rich cement mortar to adverse environments: Magnesium sulfate and sulfuric acid exposure. Cement and Concrete Composites, 134, 104781.10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2022.104781 ↗
35. Stutzman, P. E., Feng, P., & Bullard, J. W. (2016). Phase analysis of Portland cement by combined quantitative X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 121, 47.10.6028/jres.121.004 ↗
36. Wang, A., Zheng, Y., Zhang, Z., Liu, K., Li, Y., Shi, L., et al. (2020). The durability of alkali-activated materials in comparison with ordinary Portland cements and concretes: A review. Engineering, 6, 695–706.10.1016/j.eng.2019.08.019 ↗
37. Wang, R., Zhang, Q., & Li, Y. (2022). Deterioration of concrete under the coupling effects of freeze–thaw cycles and other actions: A review. Construction and Building Materials, 319, 126045.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.126045 ↗
38. Xie, J., Zhang, Z., Lu, Z., & Sun, M. (2018). Coupling effects of silica fume and steel-fiber on the compressive behaviour of recycled aggregate concrete after exposure to elevated temperature. Construction and Building Materials, 184, 752–764.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.07.035 ↗
39. Yaping, Y., Xiaoqiang, Z., Weilan, Q., & Mingwen, W. (2008). Synthesis of pure zeolites from supersaturated silicon and aluminum alkali extracts from fused coal fly ash. Fuel, 87, 1880–1886.10.1016/j.fuel.2007.12.002 ↗
40. Ye, C., Sklute, E. C., & Glotch, T. D. (2021). Orientation averaged visible/near-infrared and mid-infrared optical constants of hydrous Ca-sulfates: Gypsum and Bassanite. Earth and Space Science, 8, e2021EA001834.10.1029/2021EA001834 ↗
41. Zhao, M. L., Wang, S. Q., & Li, A. X. (2012). The study on sulfate resistance of concrete containing admixture mineral. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 174, 1265–1268.10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.174-177.1265 ↗
42. Zheng, Y., Zhuo, J., & Zhang, P. (2021). A review on durability of nano-SiO2 and basalt fiber modified recycled aggregate concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 304, 124659.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124659 ↗