The effect of basalt fibre on the mechanical performance of concrete pavement

Despite the many benefits of using basalt fibre in plane concrete, there has only been a limited number of research found in the literature concerning basalt fibre reinforced concrete pavements. Hence, the aim of this research study was to evaluate the effect of basalt fibres in improving the mechanical properties of plain concrete pavements. In this regard, flexural, split tensile, compressive and durability tests were conducted to examine the role of these fibres. The experiments were conducted at two fibre lengths (12 and 24 mm), three fibre dosages (4, 8 and 12 kg/m3), two aggregate gradations and two mix designs. Test results showed that using the basalt fibre in Portland cement specimens increases the compressive strength between 4.3% and 9.4%. However, the effect of this fibre on the mechanical properties of Portland cement concrete completely depends on the length and weight of the fibre and aggregate gradation. Overall, basalt fibre can lead to adverse effects or in the best condition a small improvement in split tensile and compression strength. The greatest effect of this fibre is increasing the concrete flexural strength up to 20%. Also, these fibres do not play an effective role in decreasing the effect of chlorine ion (or chloride) on cement concrete.