Effect of Transverse Reinforcement on the Flexural Behavior of Continuous Concrete Beams Reinforced with FRP

Abstract

Continuous concrete beams are structural elements commonly used in structures that might be exposed to extreme weather conditions and the application of deicing salts, such as bridge overpasses and parking garages. In such structures, reinforcing continuous concrete beams with the noncorrodible fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars is beneficial to avoid steel corrosion. However, the linear-elastic behavior of FRP materials makes the ability of continuous beams to redistribute loads and moments questionable. A total of seven full-scale continuous concrete beams were tested to failure. Six beams were reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) longitudinal bars, whereas one was reinforced with steel as control. The specimens have rectangular cross section of 200×300 mm and are continuous over two spans of 2,800 mm each. Both steel and GFRP stirrups were used as transverse reinforcement. The material, spacing, and amount of transverse reinforcement were the primary investigated parameters in this s...