Research on the early crack resistance and abrasion resistance of concrete with graphite tailings and basalt fiber

To address issues of tailings accumulation, early-stage crack and severe concrete abrasion on road, this study investigated effects of graphite tailings and basalt fibers on the road performance, which mechanical properties, early plastic cracks and abrasion rates of concrete were tested. Results indicated incorporating graphite tailings and basalt fibers reduced the early plastic cracks, and enhanced mechanical strength and abrasion resistance of modified concrete. Compared to ordinary concrete, the abrasion rate decreased by 32.8% for concrete with 20% graphite tailings and by 50.8% for concrete containing 20% graphite tailings and 0.1% basalt fibers. Microscopic tests revealed appropriate graphite tailings addition promoted cement hydration, generating more AFt and C-S-H gels. Compared to ordinary concrete, the C-S-H gels content and chain length in concrete with 20% graphite tailings increased by 5.4% and 12.5%, respectively. Furthermore, appropriately adding graphite tailings enhanced the C-S-H content on fiber surfaces, promoting densification at the fiber-matrix interface.