Mechanical behaviour of basalt fibre-reinforced plastics and their durability in an alkaline environment

Author(s): S. Müller, M. Butler, V. Mechtcherine
Paper category: Conference
Book title: Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting III (ICCRRR)
Editor(s): M.G. Alexander, H.-D. Beushausen, F. Dehn, P. Moyo
Print ISBN: 978-0-415-89952-9
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Pages: 191 – 193
Total Pages: 3
Language: English

Abstract: 
Most concrete structures are reinforced with steel bars, and the behaviour of this material combination is advantageous in many respects. However, steel reinforcement close to surfaces is prone to corrosion due to the carbonation and ingress of chlorides, which can lead to severe deterioration in such structures. Alternatively, fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) can be used as reinforcement as they are not affected by the corrosion processes typical of steel. In ongoing research the durability of basalt fibre-reinforced plastics (BFRPs), a new product on the building materials market, is being investigated. The focus of this particular report was on understanding the interactive mechanisms between the rebar and the alkaline environment typical of concrete. The variation parameters were the bar diameter and the surface characteristics of the BFRPs, which were produced by different manufacturers. The mechanical behaviour of the rebars before and after exposure to the alkaline environment was investigated using uniaxial tension tests. The exposure occurred in an alkaline solution at three different temperatures. The deterioration of the rebars was characterised by their mass change and their loss in tensile strength. Furthermore, microscopic investigations of the rebar surfaces provided a deeper insight into their specific material behaviour.

Online publication: 2014
Publication Type: abstract_only
Public price (Euros): 0.00