Fracture patterns and mechanical properties of GFRP bars as internal reinforcement in concrete structures

Abstract

Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) composites as rolled bars can be used as steel rebar to prevent oxidation or rust which is one of the main reasons concrete structures deteriorate when exposed to chlorides and other harmful chemicals. GFRP is successful alternative for reinforcement with high tensile strength- low strain, corrosion resistance and congenital electromagnetic neutrality in terms of longer service life. The main goal of the study is to investigate the mechanical and bonding properties of GFRP bars and equivalent steel reinforcing bars then compare them. GFRP and steel rebar are embedded in concrete block with three different levels. Mechanical properties of GFRP and steel bars in terms of strength and strains are determined. On the other hand; modulus of elasticity of GFRP and steel bars, modulus of toughness and modulus of resilience were calculated using stress-strain curves, as a result of the experiments. Pull-out tests are conducted on each GFRP and rebar samples which are embedded in concrete for each embedment level and ultimate adherence strengths are determined in terms of bar diameter–development length ratio. Yield strength, strain and modulus of elasticities of GFRP samples are compared to steel rebar. According to the test results reported in this study, GFRP bars are used safely instead of steel bars in terms of mechanical properties.