Engineering Properties of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Bottom Ash Cement Paste Composites

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Sustainable Construction

Background:

• Growing demand for sustainable resources in construction due to natural resource depletion.
• Previous research indicates bottom ash and basalt fiber as potential independent alternative binders in concrete.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the combined use of bottom ash and basalt fiber as novel composite binders in cement paste.
• To evaluate the impact of varying bottom ash percentages and basalt fiber volume fractions on composite properties.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of cement paste composites with 40-50% bottom ash and 0.3-1.5% basalt fiber.
• Assessment of physical properties (flowability, density, porosity, water absorption) at 7, 28, and 56 days.
• Evaluation of mechanical properties (compressive and flexural strength) and durability (sulfate and seawater resistance).

Main Results:

• Addition of basalt fiber improved physical, mechanical, and chemical stability up to 0.3% volume fraction.
• Higher basalt fiber content (>0.3%) led to adverse effects on composite properties.
• Bottom ash and basalt fiber blends show potential as alternative binders.

Conclusions:

• The optimal blend of bottom ash and basalt fiber (up to 0.3% basalt fiber) can enhance cement paste properties.
• This research contributes to developing sustainable strategies in the concrete industry by utilizing industrial byproducts.