Analysis of concrete beams reinforced by GFRP bars with varying parameters

Abstract

Abstract Structural buildings consist of concrete and steel, and these buildings have confronted many challenges from various aggressive environments against the materials manufactured from them. It contains high water levels and buildings whose concrete cover may be damaged and thus lead to the deterioration and corrosion of steel. It was important to have an alternative to steel, such as the glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), which is distinguished by its great effectiveness in resisting corrosion, as well as its strong tensile resistance. Still, one of its drawbacks is that it has a low modulus of elasticity. This research article aims to conduct a numerical study using the nonlinear finite element ABAQUS program on eight beam models with various parameters such as stirrup spacing, compressive strength, reinforcement layer, and type of bar reinforcement under four-point bending. The result shows that the ultimate load capacity of the GFRP beam is higher than that of a beam reinforced with steel and the number and width of cracks are greater in the GFRP-reinforced beam than in the steel-reinforced beam. In general, the serviceability reflected by cracks and deflection is lower in GFRP-reinforced beams than in steel-reinforced beams with higher serviceability. The results, on either hand, showed the expected behavior of GFRP, which is linear elastic to the failure stage. These beams are divided into four groups of beams with different variables studied to understand GFRP bars’ behavior under static loading. The variables taken in this study are the spacing between the stirrups, the compressive strength of concrete, the effect of the number of layers of reinforcement, and the type of reinforcement bar.