Tensile mechanical response of basalt TRM composites exposed to elevated temperatures

The tensile behaviour of textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) composites and their effectiveness in reinforcingstructures in high-temperature environments remain unknown. This area lacks research because it is a relatively new field, and research efforts have initially focused on understanding their behaviour at ambient temperatures. This study investigated the tensile performance of basalt TRM composites (BTRM) made with short glass fibres at temperatures ranging from 21 to 4000C.Characterisation of the basalt textile (grid) at 21-2000C was also carried out. Samples were heated for one hour at constant temperatures in a furnace, allowed to cool naturally, and then tested at room temperature. Tensile tests were performed with a universal testing machine, and the digital image correlation technique was employed to measure elongation. Elevated temperatures generally led to degradation of the BTRM mechanical properties, including reduced tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and ultimate strain. At 4000C, the composite had severely deteriorated mechanical functionality. The grid retained at least 90% of its room temperature tensile strength up to 200°C. However, it could not be tested at higher temperatures due to the loss of structural form. The performance and durability of TRM and its constituents need to be improved for use in high-temperature applications beyond 2000C.