Effect of Basalt Fiber on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Cement-Soil in SHPB Test

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced cemented soil has been specified for various purposes. However, limited studies are available on the effects of basalt fiber on dynamic mechanical properties of cement-soil using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). To evaluate the effects of basalt fiber on dynamic mechanical properties of cement-soil, a series of exploratory tests were carried out. Moreover, the microstructure of basalt fiber-reinforced cemented soil has been investigated based on the scanning electron microscope (SEM) test. The results indicate that the inclusion of basalt fiber causes an increase in both the dynamic strength and the energy absorption capacity. The dynamic strength increases with the basalt fiber content from to 1.5%, and then decreases with the further addition of basalt fiber. Also, a close relationship can be achieved linking the basalt fiber content and the absorbed energy of cement-soil. In addition, it is shown that by adding basalt fiber to the cement-soil, the specimen behavior can be changed to a significantly more plastic behavior. Finally, a brief analysis to the microstructural properties of basalt fiber inside of cement-soil has been made.