I came across another article which references the problems associated with the constant use of steel rebars in our infrastructure. Adding a significant amount of basalt reinforcements to these projects would go a long way in providing a much longer lasting solution.
It is time for engineers to integrate Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymers (BFRP) into these projects. Long runs of basalt rebar mean less labor, ease of installation, no sharp jagged ends, less overlaps, ties and time.
Due to the weight of steel, the equivalent amount of basalt rebar in one shipping container would require eight containers for the steel. That is a considerable amount saved in shipping costs alone!
Basalt does not conduct electricity. Airport runways and walkways, communications towers and terminals would not be subject to RF interference as they are now from steel embedded in the concrete. Basalt does not rust or corrode resulting in a much longer lifespan compared to steel.
No regulation states that steel has to be used exclusively – adding basalt reinforcements is a solution that is available now and in total saves money, bottom line!
Hisham wadi says
August 26, 2016 at 4:23 pmHow we can manufacture basalt rebar
Basalt Guru says
August 29, 2016 at 10:06 amWe offer consultant help to make basalt rebar. The basalt ore has to be assayed because not all basalt is equal-it can only have say so much iron
or other ingredients to qualify.
Lalit Kumar Singhania says
September 24, 2016 at 7:08 amDear Sir;
Can the Basal Rebars be used for Multi Storied Buildings as well.
Basalt Guru says
September 24, 2016 at 12:25 pmNot by itself according to ACI recommendations. I say if there is a so-called shear issue that a piece of stainless or galvanized rebar surrounded by basalt rebar and mesh with chopped fibers in the mix is the best solution.
Personally I also believe that if a building is swaying I would want mine to come back to straight-steel, if bent too far, stays bent and is the useless. Bend basalt and it returns like a pole vault.
If your concrete ever got so compromised as to be bent that far no steel rebar will help regardless.
Alichson says
October 24, 2016 at 11:17 pmHi Nick,
Can stirrups and other reinforcement materials made of basalt fibers by molding?
How many maximum stories (or height) can a building be reinforced with basalt fiber rebars?
Is basal fiber compatible with geopolymer concrete?
Thanks in advance.
Basalt Guru says
December 27, 2016 at 10:04 amYes they can all be made by molding. Maximum is determined by the structural engineers and what it might be combined with. Yes Geo-polymers are great with basalt fibers.
Sorry I missed your note for so long!
concrete cutters auckland says
December 9, 2016 at 7:31 amI’m currently working in the road marking industry. We are now using dynatech blades to groove and cut concrete. Cutting a groove 5.25″ wide at .40″ depth with a 1″ depth plunge cut. The blades are 18″ in diameter and .25″ wide. Was curious to see if your company produces anything like this as we aren’t having much success with the current blades we are using. We stack up to 20 blades together to achieve specs. Thank you in advance for any information you can give.
Basalt Guru says
December 9, 2016 at 8:54 amHi.. No the basalt would not as a fiber work as a cutting blade. It wears through regular blades cutting it pretty quickly however. Diamond blades are the only thing I have used that lasted a while.
Anonymous says
July 15, 2017 at 8:24 amHello Sir,
How basalt fiber rebars are better than steel rebars in easy words. Can they hold walls and pillars during earthquakes better that steel ones.
Basalt Guru says
January 2, 2018 at 2:51 pmThe basalt bends back and forth like a pole vault unlike steel that stays bent beyond a certain point.