Experimental Study on the Bond Performance between Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars and Concrete

Abstract

By investigating the bond performance between glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and concrete, GFRP bars can be better applied to concrete structures as a building material. This paper considered the effects of three different GFRP bar surface treatments, three bonding lengths, corrosive solution, and immersion time on the bonding strength. The test results indicated that the bond strength decreases with the increase in the diameter and bond length. The bonding between GFRP bars and concrete can be improved by treating the surface of the bars in different ways. Compared with the control group, the bond strength of the specimens in the saline solution decreased by 1.3–21.4%, and the bond strength of the specimens in the alkaline solution decreased by 26.5–38.8%. In the corrosive environment, the bond properties are degraded. A bond strength calculation formula considering the surface treatment method of the GFRP bars was proposed. The prediction formula of the bond strength retention rate between the GFRP bar and concrete in the corrosive environment was established. The formula was validated with the available research data and the calculated values agreed well with the test values. The MBPE model and CMR model are modified to establish the bond-slip model of the GFRP bars and concrete in the corrosive environment. The model curve is close to the test curve. This paper provides a theoretical basis for future research on the bond-slip performance of GFRP bars and concrete.