Design of Flexural Members Reinforced with GFRP Bars

Abstract

Reinforced concrete has emerged as a primary construction material since the nineteenth century. A passive combination of concrete and steel reinforcing bar (rebar), this composite material is widely used in various types of structures. However, corrosion of steel reinforcement has been identified as a significant problem affecting the structural integrity of such concrete structures. In this context, the use of GFRP bars is gaining prominence due to their non-corrosive nature. This paper presents behaviour of flexural members reinforced with GFRP bars. The strength reduction factors and guidelines available with different codes for flexural members are studied. The design of flexural members reinforced with GFRP bars has been done using Indian Standard code parameters. The flexural capacity of the beams is estimated from the strain compatibility and equilibrium of forces. The theoretical and experimental results are compared. It is seen that designing the beams as an over-reinforced section will increase the stiffness of the beams.

A Critical Review on Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bars as Reinforcement in Flexural Members

“…Such corrosion of bars leads to concrete deterioration and the loss of efficient functioning of an assembly. At the beginning of the twentieth century, chloride-ion-induced corrosion was the cause of the deterioration of many RCC structures [4]. Different ways of using steel and reducing its corrosion in harsh environments were considered [5].…”

“…Epoxy coat and cathodic protection are usually advised to reduce the corrosion of steel bars [6]. Generally, regular assessment and maintenance of steel-reinforced structures will be carried out to check any repair requirements for corrosion resistance [4,5]. Over the period, to avoid corrosion of steel reinforcement, FRP is evolved as a reinforcing bar that can be used in place of steel bars [6][7][8][9][10].…”

Influence on the Flexural Behaviour of High-Volume Fly-Ash-Based Concrete Slab Reinforced with Sustainable Glass-Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Sheets

“…The structural elements reinforced with GFRP bars/sheets are usually over reinforced sections, which exhibit brittle failure. The use of nonmagnetic GFRP rebars as reinforcement is gaining importance in preventing deterioration in the structural integrity in concrete structures due to its corrosion resistance, lower maintenance costs and higher tensile strength than steel reinforcement [5][6][7][8]. Bidirectional binding of GFRP sheets with concrete attains superior mechanical performance, acting as a substitute for steel rods.…”