[The dust factor in the manufacture of basalt fibers]

Portland cement is the essential binding ingredient in concrete, made from finely ground materials including lime, iron, silica, and alumina. Lime is derived primarily from limestone, marble, marl, seashells, and clays, which also supply iron and alumina, while silica is sourced from sand, chalk, and bauxite. Contemporary manufacturing of Portland cement is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, prompting research into reducing its content in concrete through alternative...

Pozzolans are siliceous or aluminous materials blended with Portland cement. They interact with the calcium hydroxide produced during the hydration of Portland cement and contribute to improved strength and durability of concrete. The pozzolanic activity, a measure of a pozzolan's effectiveness, is typically assessed using the strength activity index, as defined in ASTM C 618-93, which calculates the ratio of the compressive strength of cement mixtures with and without pozzolan.
Fly ash is a...

Aggregate classification is generally based on its size, petrographic characteristics, weight, and source. Size classification ranges from coarse to fine aggregates, defined by the size of the particles. Coarse aggregates are particles that do not pass through ASTM sieve No. 4, and aggregates that pass through the sieve are fine aggregates.
Petrographic classification groups aggregates based on common mineralogical characteristics. Some of the common mineral groups found in aggregates are...

Bulk density refers to the mass of aggregate particles that would fill a unit volume. The concept of bulk density originates from the inability to pack aggregate particles in a manner that completely eliminates void spaces. Hence, the term bulk refers to the volume that encompasses both the aggregates and the voids. This measurement is crucial when aggregates are batched by volume and is used to convert quantities by mass to volume.
Most natural mineral aggregates, like sand and gravel,...

Deleterious substances in aggregates can be detrimental to the quality and durability of concrete. These substances include organic impurities like loam, which interfere with cement hydration and are usually present in the sand. These prevent a good bond between aggregate and cement paste. Organic impurities can be detected using the colorimetric test, where the darkness of a solution after agitation indicates the level of organic content.
Another type of impurity is clay and fine material that...

Fiber-reinforced concrete significantly enhances the structural and nonstructural properties of traditional concrete by incorporating fibers like steel, glass, and polymers. These fibers, varying from natural ones such as sisal and cellulose to manufactured ones like polypropylene and Kevlar, are mixed into hydraulic cement with aggregates. Steel fibers, often preferred for their robustness, contribute to improved ductility, toughness, and post-cracking performance. The concrete is classified...