Evaluation of BFRP Macro Fibre as Reinforcement for Energy-Efficient Manufacturing of Precast Concrete with Enhanced Mechanical Properties

This paper gives an overview of parts of an industry-led project to evaluate the use of basalt fibre reinforced polymer macro fibre (BFRPmf) as dispersed reinforcement for energy-efficient production of precast concrete. For this purpose, the intrinsic properties of three BFRPmf designs were evaluated and their integrity and robustness during mixing were analysed during preliminary full-scale trials at FP McCann precast concrete factory in Knockloughrim. Furthermore, several fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) mix designs were developed by the variation of the BFRPmf dosage. The fresh and hardened properties were measured to assist in optimising the mix design. The compressive and tensile strengths of the various FRC mixes were measured to characterise the effect of the variation in fibre dosage and the post-peak softening behaviour was investigated compared to a control mix with no fibres. These test results will be used to establish finite element models for verification of structural design and energy-efficient manufacturing of full-scale precast concrete products. In this paper, the laboratory results and contribution of BFRPmf to concrete strengthening and post-peak behaviour are outlined with a focus on the impact of the BFRPmf dosage at 0.5% of mix volume.