Structural behaviour of BFRP and Steel Bars Reinforced with I-Crete and Hybrid Chopped Basalt Fibers

This research examines the mechanical, durability, structural and predictive modelling performances of I-Crete based concrete using hybrid basalt fibers. Experimental program was used to determine the influence of I-Crete mixed with rice husk ash (RHA) and Alccofine. Based on the Compressive Strength performance, the following binder formulation (8% RHA + 10% Alccofine + 1% I-Crete) was chosen as the reference matrix for the subsequent investigations and showed enhanced matrix densification. The idealized matrix was also mixed with hybrid basalt fiber with different lengths ratio (6+12, 6+24 and 12+24 mm) and volume fractions of 0.25% and 0.5%. Compressive strength increased at a maximum of 64.6 MPa and split tensile strength as well as modulus of rupture improved to a maximum of 5.9 MPa and 9.4 MPa respectively. The durability performance was enhanced, and the water penetration was decreased by 34 mm to 12 mm and RCPT of the materials changed to 2800-950 coulombs. Structural testing of steel and BFRP beams showed enhanced crack control and stiffness. The ANN-GWO model was found to be more accurate in prediction and SHAP identified fiber parameters as the dominant factors. Altogether, the realized system has great potential in terms of high-performance and long-lasting structural concrete applications.