This project explored the feasibility of using rebars made from braided basalt fiber strands as concrete reinforcement (Figure 1). The material is expected to be a low-cost, high-strength, high-modulus, and corrosion-resistant alternative to steel for concrete reinforcement. The basalt fibers were produced using a process developed in Ukraine. Several types of basalt fibers were procured from Ukraine and evaluated for strength, brittleness, and tensile properties. A continuous basalt fiber, 9 to 15 mm in diameter, was determined to be most suitable for rebar fabrication. The rebars, consisting of about 80% to 90% fibers and an organic binder, were fabricated and tested for mechanical properties (strength and modulus) and corrosion resistance. Test results established the suitability of basalt composite rebars for use as concrete reinforcement (Table 1).
A supplemental IDEA award for large-scale and field operational testing of basalt rebars as concrete reinforcement was approved (NCHRP-IDEA 45). The final report is available from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS # PB97-161335).
The final report for this IDEA project can be found at:
https://www.trb.org/studies/idea/finalreports/highway/NCHRP025_Final_Report.pdf
