Title:
Nano-Modified Cementitious Composites with Basalt Fiber Pellets—Repair/Overlay Option
Author(s):
A. Azzam, M. T. Bassuoni, and A. Shalaby
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
119
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
243-253
Keywords:
basalt fiber pellets (BFP); composites; fly ash; nanosilica; overlay; repair; slag
DOI:
10.14359/51734442
Date:
3/1/2022
Abstract:
There is constant demand for high-performance materials to build and rehabilitate concrete infrastructure. The current study investigated the properties of nano-modified cementitious composites incorporating emerging basalt fiber pellets (BFP), including their suitability as repair/overlay for concrete. The composites comprised 50% cement replacement with fly ash or slag, 6% nanosilica addition, and two BFP dosages (2.5 and 4.5% by volume). They were assessed in terms of fresh and hardened properties, as well as their compatibility with concrete substrate. Furthermore, microstructural and thermal analyses were performed to evaluate the evolution of microstructure and interpret the bulk trends. The results showed that the composites had high strength, ductility, and resistance to infiltration of fluids. BFP effectively contributed to the dimensional stability of the composites, which had high thermal and elastic compatibility with concrete substrate even after an aggravated exposure. Hence, they may offer an attractive option as high-performance repair/overlay materials for concrete.