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Basalt fiber unidirectional fabric applied to structural reinforcement

projects
In the structural reinforcement project, if the performances of basalt fiber
unidirectional fabric can reach or go beyond parts of carbon fibers
Project Description performances, the cost per square meter is 1/4-1/3 of carbon fibers'...

Project Name

1. Outstanding comprehensive performance:


Basalt fiber is good physical performance, adhesiveness, thermostability and corrosion resistance,
which is very applicable to civil engineering. Basalt fiber unidirectional fabric is not only good tensile
strength, but also good elongation (3.1%). When destruction in ultimate limit, it can absorb huge
energy by spontaneous deformation, so there are unique outstanding performances applying it to
seismic retrofitting. As an electrical insulating material, basalt fiber unidirectional fabric is very
superior in subway tunnels, electrified railway, and some reinforcement projects, e.g. antimagnetization, electrical insulation, high anti-magnetic constructions. Furthermore, in reinforcing
projects using basalt fiber unidirectional fabric, the construction is very easy, combination with
adhesives is better, the impregnation with resins is better than carbon fiber. So it can improve the
building structures dynamic loads resistance and impact resistance, and can be applicable to
reinforce the mounds, pillars and girders of bridges.

2. Technical performances:

(1) Impact resistance: the tensile strength of continuous basalt fiber is 4100~4800MPa, elastic
module is 90~110GPa, ultimate elongation is 3.1% (while carbon fiber 1.7%, aramid fiber 2.4%).
Under the ultimate gravity, basalt fiber products absorb huge energy firstly by deformation, which is
a needed performance in construction reinforcement projects. Therefore, basalt fiber is widely used
in military equipment, blasting protection facilities, and reinforcing projects in bridge girders and
mounds.
(2) Dynamic loads resistance and fatigue resistance: although carbon fiber has better tensile
strength and can bearing surface loads in a long time, it is brittle failure when under ultimate stress
conditions, so the dynamic loads resistance and fatigue resistance are not as good as basalt fibers.
In structural reinforcement, especially for bridge and seismic resistance reinforcement, different
materials should used for different parts, some use carbon fiber, and some use basalt fiber.
(3) Anti-acid, anti-alkali and chemical corrosion resistant performances: basalt fiber composites are
good acid and alkali resistance. After 4 hours impregnation in Ca(OH)2 saturated solution under
1000, the filament strength retention is still more than 75.8%. Its strong-alkali resistant and good
acid resistant. Chlorine ions in seawater can strongly chemical corrode the concrete structure of
seaside wharfs and harbor wharfs, as a result of concrete carbonization and rebar corrosion. Thus,
it will be better reinforcing effect when using basalt fiber compound bars and unidirectional fabric.
(4) Good electric insulating property: this property of basalt fiber is even better than alkali-free glass
fibers. Carbon fiber is a conductivity material. So basalt fiber reinforcing can eliminate shielding in
projects of railways, tunneling, electrified railways, industrial factories and buildings with high
requirements of insulation.
3. Advantage in cost:
In the structural reinforcement project, if the performances of basalt fiber unidirectional fabric can
reach or go beyond parts of carbon fibers performances, the cost per square meter is 1/4-1/3 of
carbon fibers. So basalt fiber unidirectional fabric is the best substitute with low cost for carbon
fibers.
4. Promulgation and implementation of national standard and industry standard promote
applications of basalt fiber unidirectional fabrics in transportation and construction:
Industrial standards of Ministry of Communications Highway engineering basalt fiber and product
(JT/T 776-2010) (Part 2: Basalt fiber unidirectional fabric JT/T 776.2-2010) and National standard

Basalt fiber composites for strengthening and rehabilitating structures (GB/T 26745-2011) are
promulgated and implemented respectively in the year of 2010 and 2011. They play a promoting
and normalizing role in application of basalt fiber unidirectional fabrics in engineering constructions.

Handbook of Research on Seismic Assessment and Rehabilitation of Historic


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editado por Asteris, Panagiotis G.,Plevris, Vagelis

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