This project evaluated the suitability of basalt fibers and basalt fiber composite rebars in concrete as an economical and durable alternative to reinforcing steel. Concrete specimens reinforced with basalt fiber composite rebars and basalt fibers (up to 2% by volume) were tested in accordance with ASTM standard test procedures. The basalt composite rebar exhibited tensile strength three times that of steel rebar. However, the mechanical performance of prestressed specimens was poor because of creep developed at the cement matrix-basalt composite interface. This limits its application for prestressed concrete reinforcement. Use of basalt fibers in fiber-reinforced concrete appears promising. Basalt fiber-reinforced concrete specimens showed a significant increase in toughness and impact strength (Figure 1) and a reduction in crack intensity and size as compared to plain concrete. The overall performance of basalt fibers in concrete was found to be similar to that of polypropylene fibers. Discussions are under way with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce for support from its Technology Development Fund to explore the use of locally available basalt mineral from northern Wisconsin and Minnesota for manufacturing basalt fibers and basalt fiber composite materials. The final report is available from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS # PB99-145104).

The final report for this IDEA project can be found at:
https://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/archive/studies/idea/finalreports/highway/NCHRP045_Final_Report.pdf