Experimental study on the permeability of basalt fibre engineered cementitious composite (ECC)

This paper presents the results of experimental investigations on the permeability of basalt fibre engineered cementitious composite (BF-ECC) in terms of water absorption and chloride resistance. Cylindrical specimens with five fibre volume fractions (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) were prepared and cured for 28 or 56 days. The water absorption, charge passed, chloride diffusion coefficient, microstructure and pore structure were determined. Macro-test results showed that BF could enhance the ability of ECC to resist water and chloride ions penetration, and this positive effect was weakened as fibre volume climbed. Microstructure indicated that the presence of BF restricted the progradation of microcracks in the matrix, nonetheless, the debonding and entangling of fibres at fibre fractions of 1.5% and 2.0% were captured, accompanied by visible cracks and voids. Also, the addition of BF decreased the number of pores in the range of 10 nm to 100 nm, and the most critical pore was decreased. Incorporating 1.0% BF decreased the porosity of ECC, while the addition of 2.0% BF increased. Herein the paper, BF-ECC with a 1.0% fibre volume fraction is preferred.