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Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Steel–Basalt Hybrid Fiber Shotcrete Under Impact Loading: Experimental Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: To further improve the mechanical properties of shotcrete in coal mine roadways, end-hooked steel fibers and chopped basalt fibers were selected. Based on the optimal mix ratios identified in existing research, steel–basalt hybrid fiber shotcrete (SBFC) specimens were prepared. Dynamic impact tests under different impact loads and various hybrid fiber contents were conducted using an SHPB. The microstructure was characterized using SEM and XRD. The results show that the dynamic compressive stress–strain curve of steel–basalt hybrid fiber shotcrete can be classified as elastic deformation stage, plastic yield stage, and post-peak failure stage. The incorporation of hybrid fibers reduces the elastic deformation and plastic yield stage, and the post-peak failure stage under active confining pressure shows elastic aftereffect characteristics. The dynamic compressive strength, dynamic elastic modulus, and deformation modulus increase with the increase in impact pressure and fiber content. When there is no confining pressure, the maximum dynamic compressive strength, dynamic elastic modulus, and modulus of deformation of SBFC4 reached 53.1 ± 2.2 MPa, 4.51 ± 0.3 GPa, and 2.55 ± 0.1 GPa, respectively, representing increases of 37.20%, 264.01%, and 59.37% compared with the control group. The dynamic compressive strength increases with the average strain rate, demonstrating a favorable strain rate effect. The energy–time history curves can be roughly divided into initial, growth, and stable stages. Under the same impact load conditions, as the fiber content gradually increases, the incident energy, dissipated energy, and energy utilization rate of the specimens all show a gradual upward trend. SEM and XRD results show that steel fibers and basalt fibers maintain good bonding with the cement matrix, contribute to the formation of gel and crystalline products within the specimens, effectively delay the initiation and propagation of cracks, and thereby improve the mechanical properties of the concrete specimens.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings16091645

Authors: Renzhan Zhou, Yuan Jin, Yonghui Wang

Institution: Bengbu University

Language: English

Topic: Innovative concrete reinforcement materials

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137