Optimizing fiber-reinforced flexible concrete blankets: A study on basalt fiber effects on strength properties

Flexible concrete blankets (FCB) are valued for convenient construction and rapid hardening but are hindered by low tensile and flexural strengths. This study examines the enhancement of FCB by incorporating basalt fibers into the cement matrix, with a focus on improving compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths. A series of tests evaluated the apparent density, setting time, and strength properties of the fiber-reinforced cement matrix across various fiber lengths, fiber contents, and water-cement ratios. Results show that increasing fiber length and content reduces apparent density and extends setting time. Basalt fiber addition effectively enhances compressive and flexural strengths, although excessive fiber length, content, and water-cement ratios lead to reduced performance. The optimal configuration (3 mm fiber length, 0.1 % fiber content, and a 0.38 water-cement ratio) yields the best mechanical properties. Orthogonal analysis indicates that compressive strength is most influenced by fiber content, followed by fiber length and water-cement ratio, while flexural strength is primarily affected by fiber length. Additionally, FCB with surface-pasted fiber cloth exhibits higher tensile strength than mixtures with dispersed fibers. •A basalt fiber reinforced FCB in a 3D spatial structure is provided.•The optimal fiber length, content, and water-cement ratio for FCB is identified.•An effective approach for enhancing the tensile strength of FCB is proposed.