Erosion resistance of basalt fiber-aeolian sand concrete under wind-sand erosion: Experimental analysis and mechanisms

The study explores the deterioration mechanism of basalt fiber-aeolian sand concrete (BF-ASC) under wind-sand erosion (WSE) and compares its performance with ordinary concrete. Experimental analysis was conducted to examine the effects of factors such as attack angle, average wind velocity, sand carrying capacity, sand erosion time, and sand particle size on the erosion of BF-ASC. Three-dimensional blue-light scanning was used to observe surface morphological changes, revealing the distribution of damage during erosion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the effects of microstructural changes on corrosion resistance. The results show that BF-ASC exhibits stronger erosion resistance than ordinary concrete under different attack angles, particularly at a 45° angle, where the mass loss and degree of erosion were significantly lower for BF-ASC than for ordinary concrete. However, under other WSE parameters, the erosion resistance of both concretes was similar, with BF-ASC showing slightly better resistance. The study also reveals multiple mechanisms of WSE. The impact of sand particles causes localized stress concentration, leading to the detachment of surface material and the expansion of microcracks. Shallow angle impacts primarily induce shear, leading to surface deterioration and crack propagation, while larger angle impacts create deep pits, further increasing local material removal. Increased wind velocity and sand particle size significantly exacerbate the erosion process. Erosion rate is strongly influenced by erosion time, with rapid erosion occurring in the early stages (0–8 min), followed by stabilization in the later stages (8–16 min). The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing the durability of concrete structures in wind-sand environments, suggest strategies to enhance concrete erosion resistance, and offer a theoretical basis for the design and maintenance of concrete structures in extreme conditions.