Dynamic and Static Splitting-Tensile Properties of Basalt Fiber–Reinforced Cemented Clay Under Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Abstract

This study presents an investigation of the cyclic freeze–thaw (F/T) effects on the dynamic and static splitting-tensile properties of plain cemented clay (clay mixed with 15% cement) and basalt fiber–reinforced (BFR) cemented clay (clay mixed with 1.5% basalt fiber and 15% cement). The effects were evaluated by focusing on the dynamic tensile strength, static tensile strength, absorbed energy, and strain rate effects of two different cemented clays at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 F/T cycles using a static splitting-tensile test and splitting Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test. The experimental results showed that the basalt fiber addition led to a marked increase in the static and dynamic tensile strength of the cemented clay specimen under F/T cycles. In the static splitting-tensile test, the strength decreased with the increase of the number of F/T cycles for the two specimens except 12 F/T cycles. All of the plain cemented clay’s dynamic tensile strength had a sharp decline at one F/T cycle in the SHPB test, while the decrease in the strength at three F/T cycles was larger (more than 50%) for that BFR cemented clay. The law related to absorbed energy was similar to dynamic tensile strength, and the relationship between the two was obtained. Continuous freeze–thaw cycles do not necessarily decrease the tensile strength of cemented clay, and its detailed mechanism was discussed.