Title: A New Construction Material—Non-Corrosive Basalt Bar Reinforced Concrete

Author(s): V. Ramakrishnan and R.K. Panchalan

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 229

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 253-270

Keywords: basalt bars; basalt cables; basalt fiber reinforced concrete; basalt fibers; bending; bond; compression; impact; toughness; ultimate moment capacity

DOI: 10.14359/14741

Date: 9/1/2005

Abstract:
A desire to constantly upgrade the structural integrity and life of buildings and bridges has brought about new developments in the area of concrete technology. The use of corrosion free basalt fiber composite bars as reinforcement for concrete is one such innovation. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation that was carried out for the first time anywhere in the world to evaluate the performance of concrete beams reinforced with basalt fiber composite bars. The experimentally determined ultimate moment capacities of basalt bar reinforced concrete beams were compared with the calculated ultimate moment capacities evaluated according to ACI-318 Building Code recommended design procedures. It was found that the actual ultimate moments of beams reinforced with plain basalt bars were much less than the calculated ultimate moments due to bar pullout failure. The modified basalt bars, which were provided with slots, corrugations and anchors, did not slip and the actual ultimate moments matched or exceeded the calculated moments. The bond strengths between the basalt bars (plain and modified) and concrete were also determined (ASTM C 234).