Performance of Basalt Fibre Reinforced High Density Concrete Using Hematite Ore Aggregates

High density concrete is used for the purpose of radiation shielding, counter weights and other purposes where high density is required. High density concrete has better shielding properties so that it can protect from harmful radiations like X-rays, Gamma rays and neutron. High density concrete has a density of about 3200–3600 kg/m3. For this study, high density concrete is prepared using aggregates containing hematite ore. Basalt is a natural fibre obtained from volcanic rocks which is an environmentally friendly product. Basalt fibres exhibit good mechanical properties, acid–alkali resistance, excellent electrical properties, non-conductive in nature and excellent for sound insulation. In this work, the influence of basalt fibres on the compressive strength of high density concrete is studied. The flexural behaviour of the basalt fibre reinforced high density concrete is also studied. The volume of basalt fibres is varied as 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%. The compressive strength test was performed for 7 days and 28 days. The 7th day and 28th day compressive strength was maximum for an optimum 1% basalt fibre. The compressive strength of high density concrete increased with an increase in fibre dosage up to 1%, and further increase in dosage decreases the compressive strength. The flexural strength test was performed on 7th and 28th day on high density concrete samples containing basalt fibre reinforcement of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%. The maximum flexural strength was observed at 1% of basalt fibres. The flexure strength of basalt fibre reinforced high density concrete decreases with an increase in basalt fibres at 1.5 and 2%. The compressive and flexural strengths of basalt fibre reinforced high density concrete are also compared with high density concrete without any basalt fibre reinforcement.