Construction and Building Materials 232 (2020) 117211

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Construction and Building Materials

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/conbuildmat

Laboratory evaluation of self-compacting fiber-reinforced concrete

modified with hybrid of nanomaterials
Tahereh Ansari rad a, Javad Tanzadeh a,⇑, Azin pourdada a
a
Department of Civil Engineering, Bandar Anzali Branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box: 43111, Bandar Anzali, Iran

h i g h l i g h t s

 The effect of cement on the increase in flexural strength is much less than increasing of nanomaterials.
 Addition of basalt fibers causes decrease in the flowability indicators of self-compacting concrete.
 Basalt fibers have no significant effect on the compressive strength index.
 With an increased adhesion of the fibers, a higher tensile strength will be obtained.
 As the amount of fibers increase, there will be a higher number of pores in the concrete.

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: The idea of using nanomaterials to improve the bonding of fiber and cementitious matrix is a strategy
Received 21 April 2019 involving simultaneous and effective use of fibers to enhance concrete mechanical properties on the
Received in revised form 6 October 2019 one hand and decreasing concrete permeability by improving microstructure density on the other hand.
Accepted 10 October 2019
Successful application of this idea in self-compacting concrete is an efficient solution for successful use of
this product in production of unreinforced prefabricated elements. In this research, optimization of mix-
ing plan of fiber concrete including optimal fiber contents, the largest nominal size of aggregate and opti-
Keywords:
mal fiber size was investigated to achieve the best performance. In the first step, laboratory program
Self-compacting concrete
Nano-silica
including self-compacting fresh concrete tests, compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength,
Nano-alumina modulus of elasticity, as well as initial and final water absorption was administered and in the second
Flexural strength step, the effect of aluminum oxide nanoparticles and silicon oxide on basalt fiber concrete designs was
Performance investigated. Results obtained from flexural strength test showed that, addition of 2 and 3% of nano-
Basalt fiber silica resulted in an increase in the concrete yield by 21 and 27% compared to non-nanomaterial fiber
Strength concrete. Similarly, the use of 2 and 3% of nano-alumina led to increased flexural strength by 10 and
15%. This improvement in the performance of nanoparticles increased the bonding between fiber and
cementitious matrix in other mechanical property tests such as tensile splitting strength and modulus
of elasticity. Results showed that addition of basalt fibers causes a decrease in the flowability indicators
of self-compacting concrete, but it has no significant effect on compressive strength index. Additionally,
application of 3% nano-silica and 3% nano-alumina in separate designs resulted in a 19 and 15% decrease
in the initial water absorption of concrete, respectively, indicating improved macro, and micrometer den-
sities of fiber concrete.
Ó 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

1. Introduction bleeding, sedimentation, and detachment depending on mixture

Self-compacting concrete is a high-performance type of con-
crete capable of flowing into desired location without detachment
and obstruction under its weight requiring no external shaking and
filling the mold. Its stability is characterized by resistance against
⇑ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: Tanzadeh@iaubanz.ac.ir (J. Tanzadeh).
adhesion and viscosity [1,2]. Recently, fiber has been successfully
used in cementitious compounds to increase ductility and control
the cracks caused by plastic shrinkage. In fiber concretes, thou-
sands of short fibers are randomly distributed during mixture to
improve its properties in all directions. Increasing application of
fiber in concrete for construction of the buildings is due to the fact
that, concrete reinforcement with fibers improves toughness, flex-
ural strength, tensile splitting strength, impact strength, and con-
crete fracture mode.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117211
0950-0618/Ó 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
2 T. Ansari rad et al. / Construction and Building Materials 232 (2020) 117211
Kabay studied the effect of basalt fiber on abrasion resistance
indicators and concrete energy absorption after evaluating perfor-
mance in sizes of 12 and 24 mm and at 0, 2, and 4 kg/m3, and then
reported the highest flexural strength and the best abrasive perfor-
mance for the design containing 2 kg of 12 mm fibers. In case of 4%
fibers, flexural strength of the design corresponding to 12 and
24 mm fibers was roughly the same; however, a 12-mm fiber
design was selected as an optimal design due to its better perfor-
mance in slip test and lower consumption of super-lubricant addi-
tive [3]. Zhao et al. studied dynamic performance of basalt fiber
concrete after applying successive melting and freezing cycles, as
well as flexural bearing loading of fiber designs. Then, they
reported the best performance in all states indicating maximum
impact strength before initial crack, and the sample yield for the
design containing 2 kg of basalt fibers [4,5]. Afroz et al. studied per-
formance of the concrete containing basalt fibers, and reported
increased flexural strength either in presence or in absence of fly
ash [6]. Ralegaonkar et al. reported an increasing adhesion resis-
tance (new repair mortar to old) as a result of an increase in
amount of basalt fibers [7]. Despite the fiber effect on the concrete
mechanical properties, several reports indicated that lack of fiber
load-bearing potential is due to its weak bond with the cement
matrix. Yan et al. investigated the interface microstructure
between fiber and cement paste and reported that a chemical bond
formation between cement hydration products and synthetic fibers
is almost impossible [8].
The pullout of perfectly healthy synthetic fibers from the hard-
ened cement paste tissue is due to this defect, and the fibers and
the matrix bond are mechanical. Hamou et al. introduced the bond
between fibers and matrix as a physical interaction due to friction
and the smooth surface of synthetic fibers as the bond reducing
agents [9]. Singh et al. described the weak chemical bonding
between polypropylene fibers and cementitious matrices as its
chemical neutrality nature result [10]. They, while stressing on
the bond strength increase between fibers and cement paste, con-
sidered it as a factor affecting the fibers’ effectiveness. Also, they
regard interfacial densification and surface structure modification
methods such as grooving or roughing. Ostertag et al. investigated
the effect of fiber and cement grinding to increase the polypropy-
lene fibers efficiency [11]. The results showed that grinding
increased the surface roughness of the fibers, which had a signifi-
cant effect on the fibers and cement paste bonding improvement.
Holmer et al. introduced the wall effect and a weak layer formation
of calcium hydroxide crystals at the fiber and cement matrix inter-
face as the weakening factors of the fibers and the matrix bonding
[12].
Concluding from the discussion, one of the factors limiting the
fiber effectiveness is a failure to establish a strong bond between
the fibers and the matrix, as well as the weak and porous interface
formation of calcium hydroxide. Stynoski et al. reported that while
the carbon fiber use increased concrete flexural strength at 28 days
by 20%, in simultaneous use of carbon fiber and silica fume, this
resistance improvement increased by 45%. Hakamy et al. [13–15]
published studies on the nanoclay effect on composite reinforced
with woven hemp fibers. Comparing the nanoclay effect on the
flexural strength of fiber-reinforced designs showed the highest
number for a design with 1% nanoclay. Ayub studied basalt fiber
impact on the mechanical properties of high-performance concrete
with 18 mm diameter and 25 mm long basalt fibers and reported
the increased tensile splitting strength by 2.7, 5 and 14.1% for
applying 1, 2 and 3% fiber [16].
Sadrmomtazi investigated silica fume impact on the mechanical
properties and durability of compounds containing basalt fibers.
The results showed that by applying the basalt fibers in mixtures,
the mechanical properties of the flexural strength tests could be
increased by 2 to 6 times. 15% silica fume use, while enhancing
the specifications of matrix and fiber transition area, reduced the
permeability by 20% and improved the mixture durability through
the microstructure pore obstruction [17]. Ma and Zhu studied
designs with basalt fibers with and without silicon oxide nanopar-
ticles [18]. However, the increase in fiber contents of more than
this trend yields more results than the reference design; it has less
content values than that containing 3 kg of basalt fiber. In this
study, the nano-silica application to 1.2% by cement weight
increased the tensile splitting strength and improved the fibers’
effectiveness on mechanical properties. Regarding nanoparticle
replacement rates, the increase in contents to more than 1.2%
stopped and slowed down the resistance improvement ascending
trend. A research review on the aluminum oxide and silicon oxide
nanoparticle use in cement compounds indicates that the applica-
tion ratios 2 to 3% of these nanoparticles had the highest frequency
to provide the best performance concerning mechanical properties
[19–33].
Khaloo et al. in a study on the effect of silica nanoparticles on
concrete microstructure reported significantly reduced pores and
micrometer cracks due to the use of nanoparticles. Images indi-
cated that inefficient distribution of nanoparticles in macrometer
pores of the concrete leads to their ineffectiveness in improving
concrete properties due to reasons like providing appropriate den-
sity or defect in mixing [34].
1.1. Significance of the research
In this study, silica and alumina nanoparticles are used to
enhance mortar matrix bonding, and basalt fibers are used to
improve the microstructure of self-compacting concrete and
reduce its pores, as a solution to resolve the defects. Hence, in
this study, it was attempted to use nanomaterials in order to
improve the fiber concrete properties effectively by applying sil-
ica and nanoparticles. In the present study, in addition to using
results of the experiments reported in previous studies and inves-
tigating experimental data, it was tried to optimize the fiber mix-
ture specifications by applying the nanoparticles based on type of
fiber used and specifications of self-compacting concrete to
achieve the best performance of the fibers in order to enhance
specifications of concrete in unreinforced elements. The subject
of this research is meeting technical requirements of the industry
including the reconstruction concrete used in retrofitting of struc-
tures, implementation of the floor of self-balance fiber structures,
and production of unreinforced prefabricated elements with
thin sections, and research results are expected to meet above
requirements.
2. Materials and laboratory test
2.1. Materials
In this study, according to the report of descending trend of efficiency and
flowability of self-compacting concrete due to addition of fibers, round-corner sand
was used in construction of self-compacting concrete in accordance with prelimi-
nary studies. In addition, coarse broken grains were used with the largest nominal
size of 12.5 and 19 mm.
The aggregate of rock materials corresponded to the limits specified in the
ASTM C33 standard [35]. The cement used in this study was of 325-1 type Portland
type produced at Bojnourd Cement Factory with a density of 3.142 g/cm3 and a
specific surface area of 3467 cm2/g.
Application of cement substitute powder materials is required in production of
self-compacting concrete, as emphasized frequently in the studies on the use of
nanoparticles [34], because lack of providing descending gradation of macrometer,
micrometer, and subsequently nanometer particles is sometimes associated with
the waste of expensive nanosized additive, due to distribution in macrometer pores
without any positive effect. Silica fume produced in Iranian Ferro Alloy Industries
Factory (Azna) was used as pozzolanic material in all designs. Density of silica fume
was equal to 2118 kg/m3. Polycarboxylate-based super-lubricant chemical additive
commercially known as Farco plast P10N was used.
 T. Ansari rad et al. / Construction and Building Materials 232 (2020) 117211 3

Table 1 2.3. Effect of flowability indicators on properties of fresh concrete

Basalt fiber specifications.
Flowability tests were conducted on self-compacting concrete to determine
Basalt fiber Properties availability of fiber mixtures and performance of fresh concrete. For this purpose,
Density (g/cm3) 2.6 the slump flow test, funnel V, and L-box were used according to the standard
Length (mm) 6 & 12 EFNARC model.
Diameter (mm) 13
Tensile strength 2000 N=mm2 2.4. Mechanical properties
Elastic modulus 93,000 N=mm2
Elongation (%) 3 Tests of mechanical properties were performed to determine the effect of the
fibers on hardened concrete parameters, and to compare performance of nanopar-
ticles in fiber designs. To study this parameter, cube concrete samples with dimen-
sions of 10 * 10 * 10 cm were constructed and samples were tested in ASTM C 31 in
Table 2
water basins until the test age [40]. At the age of the experiment, the samples were
Specifications of nanomaterials.
tested for compressive strength according to ASTM C 39. Loading direction was on
Material Specific gravity Specific surface Diameter cube samples perpendicular to direction of concrete molding [40]. Compressive
g/cm3 m2/g Nm loading was carried out continuously at a speed ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 MPa/s. 3
samples were selected at each age. According to ASTM C 496, in the tensile splitting
Nano-SiO2 0.05 220 20
strength test, the standard 15 * 30 cm cylinder was horizontally loaded (such that
Nano-Al2O3 0.12 200 8
height of the cylinder was horizontally aligned) [41]. Flexural tests were performed
on prismatic samples with dimensions of 50 * 10 * 10 cm according to ASTM C 1609,
as well as elasticity modulus test in accordance with ASTM C 469 in static state and
Basalt fibers used in this research were cut in sizes of 6 and 12 mm. Specifica- during uniaxial compressive strength test [42,43].
tions of the fiber are presented in Table 1. Specifications of silicon and aluminum
oxide nanoparticles used in this study are also presented in Table 2. 2.5. Permeability of fresh concrete
Due to lack of relationships for determining optimal mixing ratio of self-
compacting concrete gradually, in this study, previous data and values recorded The water absorption test is a preliminary method used for predicting parame-
in the ACI-237R recommendation were used to present initial mixing plan [36]. ters of durability and permeability of the concrete. Short-term water absorption
In the first step, for providing acceptance limits of initial mixing plan, fresh concrete was measured and recorded according to BS 1881 standard after drying cube sam-
experiments were carried out according to the EFNARC [37]. ples and then, by flooding the sample for 30 min, next after leaving and weighing
the sample, it was calculated by dividing the difference in wet and dry weight by
2.2. Preparation of specimens dry weight of short-term water absorption [44]. Final water absorption of concrete
was similar to that measured with this procedure, with the difference that the sam-
Mixing method for making concrete mixes in a 100-l mixer in concrete labora- ples were immersed until reaching the same constant weight i.e. the highest water
tory was as follows: firstly, the aggregates were mixed in dry status for 1 min; after absorption rate.
that, one third of the mixing water was added to the mixture and was mixed for
1 min, then the cement and silica fume together were mixed with two thirds of total
water for 3 min. 3. Mix design and test methods
In this study, the fibers were sprayed in the final mixing step of the final mixing
process. In addition, the nanomaterials were disagglomerated after performing 3.1. Optimization of fiber concrete mix
treatment of water and nanoparticles in ultrasonic baths according to implementa-
tion procedure introduced in the literature [38,39], and then were added to the
mixture after homogeneous distribution of particles and breaking the clods. As
In the first phase, an experimental program was applied to opti-
can be seen in Fig. 1, electron microscopy image taken in the study by Afroz et al. mize mixing design of self-compacting concrete, parameters of the
shows optimal fiber confinement by the matrix indicating optimal distribution largest aggregate size, size of basalt fibers, and contents of fiber
and mixture of the fibers in the concrete and bond quality of matrix-fiber [6]. applied in each design in separate mix designs and, the effect of
these parameters on specifications of the concrete was also inves-
tigated. Designs of the first stage presented in Table 3. Values of 6
and 12 mm in length were selected based on review of the litera-
ture [3–7] and [16–18].

3.2. Slump flow test results and the need for super-lubricant

In this study, control-mixing designs were designed and built in

accordance with explanations of the experimental program,
assuming same flowability properties in the slump flow test. For
this purpose, diffusion diameter of the concrete in the slump flow
test was kept constant in a range of 650–700 mm by changing con-
tent of the super lubricant additive according to requirement of the
mixture. Therefore, by assuming approximate similarity of diffu-
sion diameter values in this experiment, contents of applied
super-lubricant indicated that flowability properties have been
influenced by the change in ratio of the components of the mixture.
Table 4 presents results of fresh concrete test immediately after
mixing.
The changes in the consumption amount of superplastisizers
and the slump flow index are plotted in Fig. 2 for various mix
designs. According to the results (Table 5), it was observed that
by adding basalt fibers, a significant increase in the need for
super-lubricant to achieve the optimal performance in the target
range was observed. For example, the addition of 1 and 2 kg of
Fig. 1. The microstructure image of the bond between fiber and cementitious basalt fiber would increase the contents from 2.86 to 4.68 and
matrix. 6.73 kg of super-lubricant. Investigating previous studies and
4 T. Ansari rad et al. / Construction and Building Materials 232 (2020) 117211

Table 3
Details of designs of the first stage.

Mix Code Cement Silica Fume Water Fine Aggregate Coarse Aggregate Coarse Aggregate 6 mm Fiber 12 mm Fiber HRWR W/B
(kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) 0–6 (kg/m3) 6–12 (kg/m3) 12–19 (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3)
1 CRL-G12 394.8 25.2 160 960 773 0 0 0 2.86 0.38
2 F6-1-G12 394.8 25.2 160 960 773 0 1 0 4.68 0.38
3 F6-2-G12 394.8 25.2 160 960 773 0 2 0 6.73 0.38
4 F12-3-G12 394.8 25.2 160 960 773 0 0 3 4.46 0.38
5 F12-4-G12 394.8 25.2 160 960 773 0 0 4 5.60 0.38
6 CRL-G19 394.8 25.2 160 947 0 794 0 0 2.10 0.38
7 F6-1-G19 394.8 25.2 160 947 0 794 1 0 3.85 0.38
8 F6-2-G19 394.8 25.2 160 947 0 794 2 0 5.81 0.38
9 F12-3-G19 394.8 25.2 160 947 0 794 0 3 3.40 0.38
10 F12-4-G19 394.8 25.2 160 947 0 794 0 4 4.23 0.38

Table 4
3.3. Changes in the obstruction index in L-Box and the flowability
Results of fresh concrete test by Slump Flow test immediately after mixing.
index in V-Funnel
Mix Code Fresh properties of SCC
Slump Flow (mm) HRWR (kg/m3) The results of the V-funnel test representing the time of com-
1 CRL-G12 690 2.86 plete discharge of a certain volume of concrete, is one of the tests
2 F6-1-G12 675 4.68 designed according to the evaluated standards of the properties of
3 F6-2-G12 660 6.73 flowability of self-compacting concrete; it is a model of the con-
4 F12-3-G12 680 4.46
crete discharge process in real-world conditions to make a reliable
5 F12-4-G12 670 5.6
6 CRL-G19 700 2.2
assessment of the performance of new concrete possible by simu-
7 F6-1-G19 690 3.85 lating the conditions in experimental studies and evaluations. The
8 F6-2-G19 690 5.81 changes in the results of the L-Box and V-Funnel tests are pre-
9 F12-3-G19 680 3.4 sented in Table 6 and Fig. 3. The results show that, despite main-
10 F12-4-G19 685 4.23
taining the efficiency of all designs in a specific range in the
slump flow test, the use of basalt fibers was accompanied by a
slight decrease in the flowability index in the V-Funnel test. The
increase of 1 and 2 kg of 6 mm basalt fiber increased the discharge
time of concrete from 6 s to 16 and 22 s in designs developed with
the largest aggregate size of 12 mm and from 8 s to 19 and 25 s for
designs developed with the largest aggregate size of 19 mm. Fur-
thermore, in designs containing fibers with a length of 12 mm,
the increase of 3 and 4 kg of fiber increased the discharge time of
concrete from 6 s to 11 and 18 s in designs with the largest aggre-
gate size of 12 mm and from 8 s to 15 and 21 s for designs devel-
oped with the largest aggregate size of 19 mm.
Comparison of the results showed that increasing length of the
fibers decreased its reducing effect on discharge rate of concrete.
Discharge time was higher in designs made with the largest aggre-
gate size of 19 mm than the designs corresponding to the largest
Fig. 2. The changes in the use of high range water reducer (HRWR) and slump flow
index.
aggregate size of 12 mm. It seems that, limited nozzle output of
the funnel, which is a model of sections for thin wall mold,
increased flowability of the concrete through increasing dimension
experimental observations on the development of basic designs in of the aggregate.
the laboratory in this study showed the fresh concrete specifica- The L-box test was performed to evaluate the flowability of self-
tions would be the determining factor in applying the maximum compacting concrete in passing through the rebar network. This
applicable content of fibers to the mixture. test is a model of the compaction of reinforcement in structural
Naked eye observations in the slump flow test showed that the elements that examines the flowability of self-compacting con-
addition of more than 2 kg of basalt fibers with a length of 6 mm, in crete in this case. Similar to the V-funnel test, with increasing
case of using additional contents of super-lubricant additive and the aggregate dimension and increasing the fiber contents, the
the diffusion diameter reaching to the range of 650–700 mm was reduction of the obstruction ratio meant a drop in the flowability
associated with adverse effects of bleeding and detachment of index of the rebar network.
aggregate from the mortar, which was characterized by the accu- An increase of 1 and 2 kg of basalt fibers with a length of 6 mm
mulation of aggregates in the center of the concrete diffusion cir- decreased the obstruction ratio (efficiency drop) of concrete from 1
cle. Therefore, the use of fibers with the size of 6 mm was to 0.82 and 0.78 in designs with the largest aggregate size of
limited to 2 kg per cubic meter. Nevertheless, building a similar 12 mm and from 1 to 0.88 and 0.82 for designs with the largest
specimen for 12 mm fiber designs could increase the content to aggregate size of 19 mm. Furthermore, in designs containing fibers
4 kg while providing optimal efficiency. These observations indi- with a length of 12 mm, the increase of 3 and 4 kg of fibers reduced
cated that increasing the length of the fibers from 6 to 12 mm the obstruction ratio (decreased efficiency) from 1 to 0.93 and 0.88
decreased the reducing effect of the fiber on the flowability param- in designs developed with the largest aggregate size of 12 mm and
eters of the self-compacting concrete and in proportion to the less from 1 to 0.96 and 0.92 for designs made with the largest aggregate
need for super-lubricant application. size of 19 mm.
 T. Ansari rad et al. / Construction and Building Materials 232 (2020) 117211 5

Table 5
Collecting information on optimization of the consumption of Basalt fibers from the literature.

References Fiber Binder Optimum dosage

Sadrmomtazi et al. 2018 basalt fiber- 25 mm silica fume 1.5% basalt fiber
Construction and Building Materials 0, 1 and 1.5% 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% 15% silica fume
(volume of the concrete)
Tehmina Ayub et al. 2014 basalt fiber- 6 mm silica fume/met kaolin 2% basalt fiber in
Procedia Engineering 1, 2 and 3% 0%, 10% 10% silica fume
(volume of the concrete)
N. Kabay 2014 basalt fiber- 12 & 24 mm – 4 kg/m3 12 mm
Construction and Building Materials 0, 2 and 4 kg/m3 basalt fiber
(By weight)
Y.-R. Zhao et al. 2017 basalt fiber- 18 mm – 2 kg/m3 basalt fiber
Construction and Building Materials 0, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 kg/m3
M. Afroz et al. 2017 basalt fiber- 25 mm Fly ash, 20% 0.5% basalt fiber
Construction and Building Materials 0, 0.5%
(volume of the concrete)
Y.-R. Zhao et al. 2018 basalt fiber- 18 mm – 2 kg/m3 basalt fiber
Construction and Building Materials 0, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 kg/m3
Review basalt fiber – 1–3% wt by the mass of the binder
R. Ralegaonkar et al. 2018 3–24 mm in length
Construction and Building Materials 9–25 mm in diameter
Q. Ma, Y. Zhu 2017 basalt fiber- 9 mm nano-SiO2 dosages 3 kg/m3 basalt fiber
Underground Space 0, 2, 3, 4, and 5 kg/m3 0%, 0.6%, 1.2%, and 1.8% 1.2% nano-SiO2

Table 6
Results of fresh concrete test by changes in the results of the L-Box and V-Funnel tests
immediately after mixing.
Mix Code
1 CRL-G12
2 F6-1-G12
3 F6-2-G12
4 F12-3-G12
5 F12-4-G12
6 CRL-G19
7 F6-1-G19
8 F6-2-G19
9 F12-3-G19
10 F12-4-G19
widely for thin-wall prefabricated pieces and, the use of this con-
crete in its reinforced concrete elements is not reasonable with
the high reinforcement density of the model, which is considered
for the L-Box test.
Fresh properties of SCC
V-Funnel (s) L-Box (H2/H1)
3.4. Changes in mechanical properties
6 1
16 0.82
22 0.78 Results obtained for compressive, tensile splitting, and flexural
11 0.93 tests on studied mixing designs are presented in Table 7 and Fig. 4.
18 0.88 Compressive strength of control designs with the largest aggregate
8 1
size of 12 and 19 mm was equal to 36.1 and 38.7 MPa, respectively.
19 0.88
25 0.82 As shown in Fig. 5, effectiveness trend of basalt fibers on com-
15 0.96 pressive strength index does not follow a significant pattern.
21 0.92 Results of compressive strength test showed that the use of basalt
fibers did not have a significant effect on compressive strength
index. However, the use of fibers in tensile splitting and flexural
strength tests provided distinct results. An increase in the amount
of basalt fibers was accompanied by increased tensile splitting and
flexural strength. The designs containing 12 mm basalt fibers pro-
vided better results than 6 mm fiber designs. However, a compar-
ison between results obtained for designs developed with the
largest aggregate size of 12 and 19 mm showed that, in all fiber
designs, tensile splitting and flexural strength values were higher
in case of using stone materials with the largest size of 12 mm
compared to corresponding values in case of the largest aggregate
size of 19 mm. Regarding comparison of CRL-G12 and CRL-G19

Fig. 3. Changes in the time of discharge of concrete from the V funnel compared to Table 7
the obstruction in L-Box. Results of hardened concrete test at 28th day.

Mix Code Mechanical Properties at 28th day

The best performance of 11 s in the V-Funnel test in fiber Compressive Tensile splitting Flexural
designs was measured for the F12-3-G12 design. Nevertheless, Strength (MPa) strength (MPa) Strength (MPa)

the best performance of L-Box test results for the F12-3-G19 1 CRL-G12 36.1 3.3 5.2
design; in this design, the discharge time from the V funnel has 2 F6-1-G12 36 3.9 6.2
3 F6-2-G12 33.8 4 6.7
been recorded at 0.96. The largest aggregate size of 19 mm sug-
4 F12-3-G12 36 4.3 7.4
gests that the F12-3-G19 design with a better slip of aggregates 5 F12-4-G12 35.5 4.4 7.5
in the fresh mixture yields a higher level of flowability in the L- 6 CRL-G19 38.7 3 4.7
Box. While the comparison criterion for an optimal design is 7 F6-1-G19 38.4 3.4 5.2
merely limited to the result of these two experiments, it seems that 8 F6-2-G19 37.7 3.6 5.5
9 F12-3-G19 39 3.65 6.3
the performance of the V-funnel test is of a higher priority than the 10 F12-4-G19 37.6 3.8 6.9
L-Box test. Because the self-compacting concrete will be used more
6 T. Ansari rad et al. / Construction and Building Materials 232 (2020) 117211

G12 design was chosen as optimal self-compacting concrete fiber

design, by developing the mixing designs in two groups. In the first
design group, non-fiber control design was made by applying 2 and
3% of nano-silicon oxide and 2 and 3% of aluminum oxide. In the
second group, these designs were made using basalt fiber and
nanoparticles simultaneously that presented in Table 8.

3.6. Slump flow test results and need for using super-lubricant

Similar to the first section of the report, results of the slump

flow range were maintained in all designs between 650 and
Fig. 4. Mechanical properties changes. 700 mm; therefore, the variation in consumption of different con-
tents of super-lubricant indicated reducing effect of input parame-
ters on specifications of fresh concrete. Results of fresh concrete
control designs in case of lack of fiber, compressive strength of the
tests are presented in Table 9 and Figs. 6 and 7. In non-fiber
design with the largest aggregate size of 19 mm at 38.7 MPa was
designs, it was observed that, the need for super-lubricant applica-
higher than that of the design with the largest aggregate size of
12 mm, measured at 36.1 MPa. An increase of 1 and 2 kg of basalt
fibers with a length of 6 mm increased tensile splitting strength of
Table 9
concrete from 3.3 to 3.9 and 4 MPa in designs made with the lar-
Slump flow test results of fresh concrete test immediately after mixing.
gest aggregate size of 12 mm and, from 3 to 3.4 and 3.6 MPa for
the designs made with the largest aggregate size of 19 mm. In Mix Code Fresh properties of SCC
addition, in designs containing fibers with a length of 12 mm, Slump Flow V-Funnel (s) L-Box HRWR
increasing fiber content by 3 and 4 kg increased tensile splitting (mm) (H2/H1) (kg/m3)
strength from 3.3 to 4.3 and 4.4 in designs with the largest aggre- 11 CRL 690 6 1 2.86
gate size of 12 mm, and from 3 to 3.65 and 3.8 for designs made 12 NS2 670 8 1 3.3
with the largest aggregate size of 19 mm. 13 NS3 660 10 0.97 3.6
14 NA2 680 10 0.98 3.5
15 NA3 670 12 0.95 3.8
3.5. Investigating the effect of nanoparticles on specifications of fiber 16 F-CRL 680 11 0.93 4.46
concrete 17 F-NS2 660 14 0.91 5.9
18 F-NS3 650 16 0.88 6.4
19 F-NA2 670 15 0.89 6.3
In the second part of the experimental program, based on con- 20 F-NA3 640 17 0.85 6.8
clusion of the first part as well as considering the design, F12-3-

Fig. 5. Percentage change in mechanical properties parameters.

Table 8
Details of the second stage design.

Mix Code Cement Silica Fume Water Fine Aggregate Coarse Aggregate 12 mm Fiber Nano Silica Nano Alomina HRWR W/B
(kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) 0–6 (kg/m3) 6–12 (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3)
11 CRL 395 25 160 960 773 0 0 0 2.86 0.38
12 NS2 395 25 160 960 773 0 2 0 3.30 0.38
13 NS3 395 25 160 960 773 0 3 0 3.60 0.38
14 NA2 395 25 160 960 773 0 0 2 3.50 0.38
15 NA3 395 25 160 960 773 0 0 3 3.80 0.38
16 F-CRL 395 25 160 960 773 3 0 0 4.46 0.38
17 F-NS2 395 25 160 960 773 3 2 0 5.90 0.38
18 F-NS3 395 25 160 960 773 3 3 0 6.40 0.38
19 F-NA2 395 25 160 960 773 3 0 2 6.30 0.38
20 F-NA3 395 25 160 960 773 3 0 3 6.80 0.38
 T. Ansari rad et al. / Construction and Building Materials 232 (2020) 117211
Fig. 6. High range water reducer (HRWR) application changes and slump flow
index.
Fig. 7. Variations of the time of concrete discharge from the V funnel, obstruction
ratio of L-Box.
tion increased from 2.86 to 3.3 and 3.6, respectively with a 2 and
3% of increase in the amount of nano-silica, and by consuming 2
and 3% of nano-alumina, these values increased to 3.5 and 3.8 L,
respectively. In addition, in designs containing basalt fibers, with
a 2 and 3% of increase in the amount of nano-silica, this value
increased from 4.46 to 5.9 and 6.4, respectively, and by consuming
2 and 3% of nano-alumina, these values increased to 6.3 and 6.8 L,
respectively.
Despite maintaining the slump flow parameter in a certain
range, other flowability indices of self-compacting fresh concrete
showed a different performance by changing the nanoparticles
contents.
3.7. Changes in the obstruction index of L-Box and flowability index of
V-Funnel
In non-fiber designs, discharge time in the V-Funnel test
increased from 6 to 8 and 10 s, respectively by increasing 2 and
3% of nano-silica, and to 10 and 12 by consuming 2 and 3% of
nano-alumina. In addition, in designs containing basalt fibers with
a 2 and 3% of increase in the amount of nano-silica, this value
increased from 11 to 14 and 16 s and by consuming 2 and 3% of
nano-alumina, increased to 15 and 17 s, respectively, indicating
that reducing effect of the use of aluminum oxide nanoparticles
on properties of self-compacting fresh concrete would be higher
than addition of silica oxide nanoparticles. In non-fiber designs, it
was also observed that instruction ratio in the L-Box test decreased
from 1% to 1% and 0.97%, respectively, as a result of a 2 and 3% of
increase in the amount of nano-silica, and by consuming 2 and 3%
of nano-alumina, these values decreased to 0.98 and 0.95, respec-
tively; in designs containing basalt fibers with a 2 and 3% of
increase in the amount of nano-silica, this value ranged from
0.93 to 0.91 and 0.88, respectively, by applying 2 and 3% of
nano-alumina, it decreased to 0.89 and 0.85, respectively.
7
4. Results and analysis
4.1. Compressive strength
The results of compressive strengths of the designs at 7 and
28 days are shown in Fig. 8 and Table 10. In non-fiber designs, it
is observed that compressive strength at the age of 7 days
increased from 23.1 to 27.4 by increasing the nano-silica content
by 2 and 3% (19% increase) and to 26.2 MPa (13% increase) and
increased to 24.1 MPa (4% increase) and 24.5 MPa (6% increase)
by increasing the nano-alumina content by 2 and 3%. However,
with increasing the treatment time to 28 days by adding 2 and
3% nano-silica, the compressive strength increased from 36.1 to
41.6 (equivalent to 15% increase) and 40.2 MPa (equivalent to
11% increase) and by adding 2 and 3% of nano alumina, these val-
ues increase to 37.3 (equivalent to 3% increase) and 38 MPa (equiv-
alent to 5% increase).
However, in fiber designs, it was observed that the compressive
strength at 7 days of age increased from 25.1 to 31.7 (26%
increase) and 33.6 MPa (26% increase, respectively) by increasing
2 and 3% of nano-silica. These values for the increasing nano-
alumina % of 2 and 3 is respectively 27.7 (equivalent to 10%
increase) and 28.3 MPa (equivalent to 13% increase). However,
with increasing the treatment time to 28 days, by adding 2 and
3% nano-silica, the compressive strength increased from 36 to
42.6 (equivalent to 18% increase) and 46.7 MPa (equivalent to
30% increase) and with 2 and 3% nano-alumina, these values are
41.4 (equivalent to 15% increase) and 41.3 MPa (equivalent to
15% increase).
The results show that with the use of nanoparticles at the
age of 7 and 28 days, the tensile splitting strength could be sig-
nificantly increased. However, the comparison of the results of
the designs showed that the increase in the strength of nano-
silica-containing designs would be significantly more than those
of nano-aluminum. It has also been observed that the effect of
nanoparticles in both types of nano-silica and nano-alumina
at an earlier age of 7 days is greater than the final age of
28 days.
The important conclusion of this section is that in optimal non-
fiber designs, the optimal percentage of calcium oxide nanoparti-
cles were 2%, but in fiber designs, the results obtained for the 3%
nano-silica state was the best.
It seems that the presence of more pores in the microstructure
of fiber designs due to the reduction in the efficiency of these
designs and, the use of nanomaterials in addition to pore obstruc-
tion in the application of enhancement of fiber bonding with the
matrix leads to the application of more quantities of nanoparticles
to improve the mechanical properties of fiber concrete.
Fig. 8. Compression strength test results at the age of 7 and 28 days.
8 T. Ansari rad et al. / Construction and Building Materials 232 (2020) 117211

Table 10
Test results for compressive strength, tensile splitting strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity at 7 and 28 days.

Mix Code Compressive Strength Tensile splitting Flexural Strength Static Modulus of
(MPa) strength (MPa) (MPa) Elasticity (GPa)
7 28 7 28 7 28 28
11 CRL 23.1 36.1 1.79 3.3 3.19 5.23 40.71
12 NS2 27.4 41.6 2.11 3.75 3.75 5.96 45.7
13 NS3 26.2 40.2 2.09 3.64 3.58 5.79 43.1
14 NA2 24.1 37.3 1.89 3.46 3.29 5.5 42
15 NA3 24.5 38 1.93 3.51 3.35 5.58 42.9
16 F-CRL 25.1 36 2.33 4.3 4.82 7.41 41.9
17 F-NS2 31.7 42.6 2.76 5.11 5.61 8.96 45.6
18 F-NS3 33.6 46.7 2.96 5.39 5.95 9.43 47.4
19 F-NA2 27.7 41.4 2.51 4.74 5.21 8.13 44.2
20 F-NA3 28.3 41.3 2.72 4.89 5.33 8.49 46.8

4.2. Tensile splitting strength
In Fig. 9, the results of tensile splitting strength of the designs
are plotted in the age of 7 and 28 days. The results show an
increase in tensile splitting strength due to the application of
nanoparticles. Comparing the results confirms the significant per-
formance of silicon oxide nanoparticles in promoting properties
compared to designs containing similar contents of aluminum
oxide nanoparticles. In non-fiber designs, it was observed that at
7 days of age with an increase of 2% and 3% of nano silica, tensile
splitting strength increased from 1.79 to 2.11 (equivalent to 18%
increase) and 2.09 MPa (equivalent to 17% increase) and with an
increase of 2% and 3% of nano-alumina increases to 1.89 (equiva-
lent to 6% increase) and 1.93 Mpa (equivalent to 8% increase).
However, with increasing the treatment time up to 28 days by add-
ing 2 and 3% of nano-silica, the tensile splitting strength increased
from 3.3 to 3.75 (equivalent to 14% increase) and 3.64 MPa (equiv-
alent to 10% increase) and with the increase of 2 and 3% of nano-
alumina, these values were 3.46 (equivalent to 5% increase) and
3.51 MPa (equivalent to 6% increase).
However, in fiber designs, it was observed that at 7 days of age
with the increase of 2% and 3% of nano-silica, the tensile splitting
strength increased from 2.33 to 2.76 (equivalent to 18% increase)
and 2.96 MPa (equivalent to 27% increase) and, with the increase
of 2% and 3% of nano-alumina increases to 2.51 (equivalent to 8%
increase) and 2.72 (equivalent to 17% increase) MPa. However,
with increasing the treatment time to 28 days with the increase
of 2 and 3% of nano-silica, the tensile splitting strength increased
from 4.3 to 5.11 (equivalent to 19% increase) and 5.39 MPa (equiv-
alent to 25% increase and with the increase of 2 and 3% of nano-
alumina, it increased to 4.74 (equivalent to 10% increase) and
4.89 MPa (equivalent to 14% increase).
Comparison of the tensile splitting strength increased percent-
age due to the presence of nanoparticles shows that in fiber
designs, more increasing changes have been measured in compar-
ison with non-fiber designs. It seems that in the fiber designs, two
factors are causing this trend change.
1. With increasing fibers, more pores appeared in the concrete due
to the reduced efficiency of the mixture, which in the presence
of nanoparticles, the micro-filling properties of these materials
played a more effective role in promoting properties with pore
obstruction.
2. The presence of fibers because of improving the microstructure
of the mortar and the transition region between the matrix and
the fibers caused the improved bonding of fibers and matrix and
as a result, these fibers produced more tensile splitting strength
along with more adhesion because of the delay of the pullout of
the fiber from the matrix.
Thus, it could be concluded that, based on the tensile splitting
strength, the highest resistance in non-fiber designs was measured
for a 2% nano-silica design but in fiber designs, the results obtained
for the 3% nano-silica state was the best.
4.3. Flexural strength
The results on the flexural strength of the designs at 7 and
28 days are shown in Fig. 10. Similar results with the tensile split-
ting strength test showed the increase of flexural strength result-
ing from the use of nanoparticles. Similar to the previous results,
comparing the results revealed the significant performance of sili-
con oxide nanoparticles in promoting properties compared to
designs containing similar contents of aluminum oxide
nanoparticles.

Fig. 9. Results of tensile strength test at the age of 7 and 28 days. Fig. 10. Flexural strength test results at the age of 7 and 28 days.
 T. Ansari rad et al. / Construction and Building Materials 232 (2020) 117211 9

In non-fiber designs, it was observed that with increasing 2 and

3% of nano-silica at 7 days of age, the flexural strength increased
from 3.19 to 3.75 (equivalent to 18% increase) and 3.58 MPa
(equivalent to 12% increase) and with increasing 2 and 3% of
nano-alumina, it increased to 3.29 (equivalent to 3% increase)
and 3.35 MPa (equivalent to 5% increase). However, with increas-
ing the treatment time up to 28 days, and with increasing the
nano-silica content by 2 and 3%, the flexural strength increased
from 5.23 to 5.96 (14% increase) and 5.79 MPa (equivalent to 11%
increase) and, with increasing nano-alumina content by 2 and
3%, this parameter increased to 5.5 (equivalent to 5% increase)
and 5.58 MPa (equivalent to 7% increase).
However, in fiber designs, it was observed that at 7 days of age,
with increasing the nano-silica content by 2 and 3%, the tensile
splitting strength increased from 4.82 to 5.61 (14% increase) and Fig. 12. The results of initial and final water absorption test at the age of 7 and
5.95 MPa (equivalent to 11 percent increase), respectively and, 28 days.
with increasing nano-alumina content by 2 and 3%, this parameter
increased to 5.21 (equivalent to 5% increase) and 5.33 MPa (equiv-
alent to 7% increase). However, with increasing the treatment time non-fiber design. It seems that the variations of modulus of elastic-
up to 28 days, and increasing the nano-silica content by 2 and 3%, ity were more consistent with the compressive strength index
the tensile splitting strength increased from 7.41 to 8.96 (21% compared to other parameters studied.
increase) and 9.43 MPa (27% increase), and with increasing nano-
alumina content by 2 and 3%, it increased to 8.13 (equivalent to 4.5. Water absorption
10% increase) and 8.49 MPa (equivalent to 15% increase).
This trend can be interpreted because of the development of Changes in the initial and final water absorption rates at
pozzolanic reactions and the microstructure density of the matrix 28 days are plotted in Fig. 12. In non-fiber designs, it was observed
of the mortar, thereby enhancing the transitional area, and ulti- that with increasing the nano-silica content by 2 and 3%, the initial
mately improving the adhesion of the fibers and matrix, and water absorption rate decreased from 1.69 to 1.18 and 1.15%
increasing the strength of the elongation of the fibers during flex- respectively and, with increasing the nano-alumina content by 2
ural loading. and 3% decreases to 1.39 and 1.28 percent. In addition, in designs
containing basalt fibers with increasing the nano-silica content
by 2 and 3%, it decreased from 1.91 to 1.74 and 1.54%, respectively
4.4. Modulus of elasticity
and, with increasing the nano-alumina content by 2 and 3%
decreases to 1.81 and 1.63%, respectively.
Fig. 11 shows the results of changes in elastic modulus of con-
The CEB-FIP regulations, based on a half-hour water absorption
trol and fiber designs at the age of 28 days. The results of the mod-
rate, specifically describe the quality of concrete [45]. Therefore, as
ulus of elasticity test indicated an increasing trend with the use of
shown in Fig. 12, it can be observed that all mixing designs with
nanomaterials, but similar to other results of mechanical proper-
quantities less than 3% can be classified in a good quality class.
ties tests, the amounts of these changes depend on the type and
Nevertheless, increasing the immersion time of the test specimens
extent of use of nanoparticles. In non-fiber designs, the modulus
until the final water absorption is increased the index, as expected.
of elasticity increased from 40.71 to 45.7 and 43.1 GPa respec-
In non-fiber designs, by increasing nano-silica content by 2 and
tively, with increasing the nano-silica content by 2 and 3% and to
3%, final water absorption percentage decreased from 1.98 to 1.43
42 and 42.9 GPa, respectively with increasing the nano-alumina
and 1.38%, respectively, and it decreased to 1.57 and 1.46% by
content by 2 and 3%. In addition, in designs containing basalt fiber
increasing content of nano-alumina by 2 and 3%. In addition, in
with an increase of 2 and 3% of nano-silica, this value increased
designs containing basalt fiber, by increasing content of nano-
from 41.9 to 45.6 and 47.4 GPa, respectively and, with increasing
silica by 2 and 3%, it decreased from 2.34 to 2.05 and 1.84%, and
the nano-alumina content by 2 and 3%, it increased to 44.2 and
by increasing content of nano-alumina by 2 and 3%, it decreased
46.8 GPa, respectively.
to 2.21 and 1.93%, respectively.
The highest modulus of elasticity, as shown in Fig. 11, was mea-
Accumulation of fibers in concrete was accompanied by forma-
sured for the 2% nano-silica non-fiber design and the 3% nano-silica
tion of cavities in the very matrix, as well as overlapping of tiny air
bubbles with the strings sticking together in the fibers and into the
matrix. These cavities were filled with water-filled cavities and,
with the passage of time, evaporation of water increased, which
consequently led to increased water absorption. Region of the
fibers acted as a gateway for entering water into the matrix. It
seems that, application of nanoparticles through development of
effects of microfluidic and pozzolanic reactivity decreased
microstructure pores of the mortar and transition region between
the matrix and the fibers, which in turn reduced percentage of
water absorption.

5. Conclusion

Results showed that addition of basalt fibers caused a decrease

Fig. 11. Results of modulus of elasticity test at the age 28 days. in flowability indicators of self-compacting concrete. Decrease in
10 T. Ansari rad et al. / Construction and Building Materials 232 (2020) 117211
this specification was compensated partly by increasing consump-
tion of super-lubricant in fiber designs.
Despite a decrease in the efficiency of self-compacting concrete
because of the use of fibers, optimization of designs by changing
ratios of fiber and adding and modifying size of the fibers and
aggregates resulted in improvement of mechanical properties
while ensuring flowability of self-compacting concrete. Results
revealed that, basalt fibers have no significant effect on compres-
sive strength index. Results of the study also indicated that, the
design containing stone materials with the largest nominal size
of 12 mm and 4 kg of basalt fiber with a length of 12 mm had
the best performance in improving mechanical properties of self-
compacting concrete. Adding nano-silica had a greater effect in
improving mechanical properties and reducing permeability of
concrete than nano-alumina, probably due to pozzolanic reaction
of nano-silica in addition to micro-filling effect.
In non-fiber designs, optimal percentage of calcium oxide
nanoparticles was equal to 2% but in fiber designs, results obtained
for 3% nano-silica state were the best. It seems that, presence of
more pores in microstructure of fiber designs due to the reduction
in the efficiency of these designs, and the use of nanomaterials in
addition to pore obstruction for improvement of fiber bonding
with the matrix caused more quantities of nanoparticles to be used
in improving mechanical properties of fiber concrete. Comparison
of results regarding increased percentage of tensile splitting
strength and flexural strength due to presence of nanoparticles
showed that more increasing changes were observed in fiber
designs in comparison with non-fiber designs.
Comparing percentage of increase caused by presence of
nanoparticles indicated that fiber-containing designs showed
higher increases than the fiber-free designs, which is attributed
to two factors in the fiber-containing designs.
- As amount of fibers increases, there will be a higher number of
pores in the concrete due to the reduction in the efficiency of
the mix. In presence of nanoparticles, microdispersion proper-
ties of these materials, along with obstruction of the pores play
a more effective role in enhancing the properties. The effect of
microdispersion of nanoparticles was even observed in reduc-
ing absorption of water in the hardened concrete.
- Presence of the fibers causes an enhancement in the bond
between the fibers and the matrix due to improving microstruc-
ture of the mortar and transitional region between the matrix
and the fibers. With an increase in the adhesion of the fibers,
a higher tensile splitting strength will be obtained due to a
delay in removal of the fibers from the matrix.
Therefore, findings of the present study revealed promoting
effect of nanoparticles on improving mechanical properties and
reducing permeability of basalt fiber-containing concrete.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-
cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
to influence the work reported in this paper.
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