Effect of hybrid E-glass and basalt fibre on the flexural behaviour of concrete

The addition of fibres to concrete enhances several mechanical properties under tension and flexure. This paper discusses the benefits of adding two types of fibres, namely E-glass and basalt, to a concrete mixture. The mechanical properties of of conventional and fibre-reinforced concrete were assessed by subjecting cubes and cylinders to compressive strength, splitting tensile, impact and modulus of elasticity tests. A flexural beam set-up was also constructed with varying reinforcement and tested under two-point loading. The deflections under the loading were measured using a deflectometer. The strains in the reinforcement were also measured using strain gauges. It was found that the hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete (HFRC) containing 2% basalt fibre and 1% E-glass fibre exhibited higher compressive strength than various other mix proportions. It was also found that the HFRC exhibited less deflection and higher modulus of elasticity and stiffness compared with the conventional concrete specimen. In addition, the HFRC was observed to have a higher impact resistance.