Combined effects of silica fume, steel and basalt fibers on the mechanical properties of mortars

In this study, combined effects of silica fume, steel and basalt fibers on the mechanical and physical properties of mortars were investigated. Silica fume was used 0%, 10% and 20%, steel fibers 0.25%, 0.50% and 0.75% and basalt fibers 0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9%. 27 different series of mortars and reference mortar were produced. These mortar samples were subjected to physical tests such as fresh and hardened unit weight, porosity and water absorption and also mechanical tests such as compressive strength and flexural strength. According to the results; Porosity and the water absorption values were decreased with the increase of basalt fibers, steel fibers and silica fume. Flexural strength was increased with the increase of steel fiber and basalt fiber amount. The highest flexural strength was obtained from the mortar produced with 0% silica fume, 0.5% steel fibers and 0.9% basalt fibers. This value was 27.8% higher than reference sample. Compressive strength was also increased with the increase of steel fibers, basalt fibers and silica fume. The highest compressive strength was obtained from mixtures with 20% silica fume, 0.75% steel fibers and 0.3% basalt fibers. This value was 62.2% higher than reference sample. Many tests were given positive results by the use of basalt fibers, steel fibers and silica fume together.