Flexural Capacity of Concrete Beams Prestressed with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Tendons

Abstract

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP), particularly those incorporating carbon fiber (CFRP), has high strength, high stiffness-to-weight ratio and high resistance to corrosion, which shows potential for use as prestressing tendons in corrosive environment. However, concrete beams prestressed with FRP tendons have showed brittle flexural failure due to the elastic rupture of FRP tendons. In order to improve the ductility, a combination of bonded and/or unbonded prestressing tendons was used. Nine prestressed concrete beams were tested up to failure to study the effect of bonded and unbonded FRP tendons on their flexural capacity. Three factors were taken into consideration; the bonding condition of CFRP tendons, the location of CFRP tendons and the prestressing ratio. Also an analytical investigation was carried out to extend some flexural capacity calculation equations to this beam type. The results of the experimental showed that under the same condition, the carrying capacity of concrete beam prestressed with bonded FRP tendons was 20% higher than that of internal unbonded prestressed beam, and was 40% higher than that of external unbonded prestressed beam without deviators. By combination of bonded and unbonded FRP tendons, the ductility of prestressed concrete beams can be improved.