Design optimization of rubber-basalt fiber-modified concrete mix ratios based on a response surface method

Abstract

Rubber aggregates produced from waste rubber materials and environmentally friendly basalt fibers are excellent concrete modification materials, which significantly improve the working performance and mechanical properties of concrete. This paper studied the influences of water-binder ratio, basalt fiber content and rubber content on the properties of rubber-basalt fiber modified concrete (RBFC). Based on the response surface method (RSM), optimization schemes of three preparation parameters were designed. The results showed that all preparation parameters have significant impacts on the slump. The rubber content has a closer relationship with the compressive strength and the quadratic term of the basalt fiber content has a significant impact on the flexural strength. According to the analysis, the optimal mix ratio which possesses reliable accuracy compared with experimental results includes a water-binder ratio of 0.39, a basalt fiber content of 4.56 kg/m3 and a rubber content of 10%,.