Evaluation of Shear Strength of Concrete Beams with GFRP Reinforcement

Abstract

This research presents an experimental study related to the shear behavior of simply supported reinforced concrete beams reinforced with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars. Four concrete beams reinforced with GFRP bars and four control concrete beams reinforced with steel bars were tested until failure. In order to realize the occurrence of shear failure, all tested beams were designed with longitudinal reinforcement only and without shear reinforcement. The test variables used in this study were the concrete strength, f'c, and longitudinal reinforcement ratio, ρ. The crack patterns, location of the diagonal crack and angle of the diagonal crack were also observed during the test. The shear design equations obtained from the codes and references were used to evaluate the data obtained from the test. Finally, based on the data obtained from experimental and theoretical analysis, comments and recommendation on the shear strength equations were suggested.