Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Perlite Aggregate Cement Mortars

Abstract

– In this study, the mechanical properties of basalt fiber reinforced perlite aggregate cement mortars were investigated. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of basalt fiber on the strength properties of cement mortar and to identify the optimal fiber content. Specimens with different proportions of basalt fiber were prepared, and their compressive and flexural strengths were measured at 7 days and 28 days. A control specimen with no fiber reinforcement (B0) was used for comparison. The results showed that basalt fiber generally enhanced the strength of the cement mortar. The specimens with basalt fiber reinforcement exhibited higher compressive and flexural strengths compared to the control specimen (B0). Particularly, a more significant increase in strength values was observed in the specimens with basalt fiber at the 28-day testing period. However, the effect of basalt fiber content and distribution varied among the specimens. In some specimens (B1.5, B2, B3), a slight decrease in strength was observed at certain testing periods. This study highlights the significance of basalt fiber reinforced perlite aggregate cement mortars as a research area, considering the increasing demand for their use in construction applications.