Effect of slag, nano clay and metakaolin on mechanical performance of basalt fibre cementitious composites

• Published in: Construction & building materials 2018-12, Vol.192, p.70-84
• Main Author: Girgin, Z. Canan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging tests; Analysis; Basalt fibres; BFRC; BRC; Composite materials; Mechanical properties; Pull-out; Strain capacity; Stresses (Materials)
• ISSN: 0950-0618; 1879-0526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.10.090

•Heat-rain test is realised most effective test to find out durability problem of BRC.•Aim is to eliminate accumulation of hydration products on fibre surface in BRC, BFRC.•Positive effect of pozzolanic admixtures on strength-strain degradation is addressed.•Results after standard curing and aging tests reveal most effective additive is metakaolin.•High reactivity of Al2O3 and fineness largely prevent accumulations on fibre. In this study, the effects of pozzolanic admixtures (ground granulated blast furnace slag, nano-clay, metakaolin) are investigated in chopped basalt fibre cementitious composites (BRC). First, the variations in compressive strengths and flexural characteristics during 3, 7, 28, 56, 90 and 120-day curing periods are addressed. Afterwards, most importantly, the degradation in the flexural performance during aging tests (freeze-thaw test, heat-rain test) are focused. The main aim is considerably to save the pull-out behaviour of BRC, even when exposed to harsh atmospheric conditions. All the test results are compared with control specimens (100% cement). The results arising from the experiments including metakaolin are promising to enhance the durability performance of BRC. The implications in this experimental study are valid for basalt fibre reinforced concrete (BFRC) subjected to those atmospheric conditions as well.