Effects of Basalt Fiber on the Mechanical and Frost Resistance of Geopolymer-Stabilized Aeolian Sand Gravel

Jie Liu; Bo Wu; Chao Pu; Jizhen Bao; Chunsheng Zhu; Bin Wang

doi:10.2478/cee-2026-0025

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Effects of Basalt Fiber on the Mechanical and Frost Resistance of Geopolymer-Stabilized Aeolian Sand Gravel

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Volume 22 (2026): Issue 2 (June 2026)

By: Jie Liu, Bo Wu, Chao Pu, Jizhen Bao, Chunsheng Zhu and Bin Wang

Open Access

|Jun 2026

Abstract

To address the challenges of road construction aggregate scarcity and cost control in desert regions, this study utilized solid wastes (steel slag powder, fly ash) to prepare geopolymer for stabilizing aeolian sand and gravel mixtures as road base materials. The feasibility of applying fibre-reinforced geopolymer stabilized aeolian sand gravel (FGSG) mixture was demonstrated through systematic investigation of its mechanical properties, frost resistance and micro-mechanisms. The results showed that the alkali content had the most significant effect on the compressive strength of geopolymer paste. The optimal mix ratio was a slag-to-fly ash ratio of 3:7, an alkali content of 8%, and a water glass modulus of 1.4. Furthermore, the incorporation of basalt fibre at a dosage of 0.15 v% and a length of 12 mm significantly enhanced the mechanical strength of the mixture and improved the frost resistance. The compressive strength of FGSG gradually decreased with the increase in freeze-thaw cycles; however, it remained over 80% of its original compressive strength after 12 cycles. Microstructural analysis revealed that polymerization reaction occurred around the basalt fibres, effectively filling gaps and connecting cracks. This reaction enhanced the connectivity within the mixture, thereby increasing overall strength and reducing both mass and strength losses. Notably, freeze-thaw cycles induced fatigue damage within FGSG, leading to structural deterioration and ultimately resulting in strength reduction.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/cee-2026-0025 | Journal eISSN: 2199-6512 | Journal ISSN: 1336-5835

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Language: English

Page range: 585 - 605

Submitted on: Jul 11, 2025

Accepted on: Aug 14, 2025

Published on: Jun 19, 2026

Published by: University of Žilina

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 4 issues per year

Keywords:

Basalt fibre-reinforced geopolymer,

Aeolian sand,

Mechanical properties,

Freeze-thaw cycle,

Microscopic mechanism,

Pavement base

Related subjects:

Business and economics,

Political economics,

Economic theory, systems and structures,

Business management,

Industries,

Environmental management

© 2026 Jie Liu, Bo Wu, Chao Pu, Jizhen Bao, Chunsheng Zhu, Bin Wang, published by University of Žilina
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 22 (2026): Issue 2 (June 2026)