Behavior of concrete beams reinforced with GFRP BARS

Abstract

The use of FRP bars in place of steel rods in concrete structures plays a significant role due to non-corrosive nature. These materials possess high tensile strength and low modulus of elasticity and exhibit a linear stress–strain response up to the failure. The present study focuses on gaining an insight into the behavior of concrete beams reinforced with GFRP bars subjected to two-point loading system by varying the grade of the concrete and diameter of the bar. The modes of failure and the crack width at each stage of loading were observed. The results of load-deflection and load-crack width characteristics are discussed. The crack pattern of the GFRP beams under loading is also reported. The comparisons between the flexural capacity of GFRP beams and steel beams from theoretical analysis and GFRP beams with that of the experimental were done. The structural behavior of tested GFRP beams is validated by developing FE models using the ANSYS software.