Effect of basalt fibre addition to cementitious mortar at ambient and elevated temperatures

A study on the mechanical characteristics of cementitious mortar reinforced with basalt fibres at ambient and elevated temperatures is carried out. Chopped basalt fibres with varying percentages, 0.15%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1.0% are added to the cement mortar. All the specimens are heated to 200°C, 500°C, 900°C using a muffle furnace. Flexural strength, compressive strength and moisture loss are measured to evaluate the performance of cementitious mortars at elevated temperatures. From the study, it is clear that basalt fibres can be used to reinforce mortar as the fibres remain unaffected up to 500°C, however, the contribution of basalt fibres to the flexural strength, compressive strength development is minimal at both ambient and elevated temperatures.