Behavior of Tied Short RCA Columns Strengthened with Basalt Fiber

Abstract This article offers an experimental procedure to evaluate the validity of RC circular short columns with various replacement ratios of recycled coarse aggregate and strengthening with basalt fibers. In order to provide it, fifteen (15) short reinforcing concrete columns with transverse reinforcement (ties), two recycled coarse aggregate replacement ratios (50 and 100 %), and four ratios of basalt fibers (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4%) were designed and loaded axially concentrically. The obtained experimental data is recorded and evaluated to improve the RC short column’s structural properties (first crack load, ultimate carrying load, and load-displacement curve). The results showed that for columns containing 0% recycled coarse aggregate, 0.1% basalt fibers addition increased the ultimate loading capacity by 14.1%; for columns containing 50% recycled coarse aggregate, 0.1% basalt fibers addition increased the ultimate loading capacity by 9.7%, while 0.2% basalt fibers addition had increased the ultimate loading capacity for columns that contained 100% recycled coarse aggregate by 7.9%. By utilizing basalt fibers, higher stiffness is noted in the load-displacement curve of RC columns can be seen, and Improved column ductility can be achieved. The initial cracking load was delayed and the column’s loading capacity was enhanced by the bonding forces between basalt fibers and the mixture, which offered internal confinement for the concrete that prevented the formation of initial cracks inside the concrete.