Effect of polymineral systems and disperse reinforcement on self-compacting fibre concrete

In this study, composite binders were prepared as novel, eco-friendly polymineral binders by using rice husks to produce active silica-containing additive, based on which self-compacting fibre concretes (SCFCs) with high impact strength and impermeability characteristics were created. Two types of fibre were used as disperse reinforcement – namely, steel brass-plated fibre and basalt fibre. Ten different mixes of SCFC were investigated. The rheological characteristics of concrete mixes were determined by a series of tests including slump flow, V-funnel, L-box, U-box and segregation resistance tests. In addition, the impact endurance was determined using standard techniques, such as the impact of hammer blows on both panels and cylinders, and this confirmed the creation of dynamically durable composites with high workability. In addition, the microstructural, morphological and thermal properties of such concrete at 28 days of curing were determined. The results indicated that the incorporation of a composite binder in SCFCs significantly improved the mechanical properties and microstructure of the cement matrix by clogging the capillary pores of the cement paste and reducing the growth of portlandite crystals, thereby increasing the compressive strength of fibre concretes by about 31%, the impact endurance by up to six times, and the crack resistance by up to nine times.