Impact of exposing GFRP bars to humid environments on the behavior of GFRP RC beams

Abstract

This study investigated the flexural performance and serviceability of GFRP reinforcement exposed to hot weather conditions for 28 months. In particular, the impact of the United Arab Emirates weather on GFRP Reinforced Concrete (RC) beam performance was assessed. In the study, two beams reinforced with sand-coated GFRP bars and two reinforced with ribbed GFRP bars were cast and tested to study the impact of exposure on GFRP RC beams. The beams possessed the exact dimensions and were cast using normal strength concrete. The beams were 2200 mm long, 180 mm wide, and 230 mm deep. Additionally, the beams were designed to fail in flexural. As a result of the study, it was found that exposure had an insignificant impact on the flexural behavior but had a significant impact on the serviceability performance of GFRP RC beams. Additionally, beams reinforced with sand-coated GFRP bars were more resilient to exposure than those reinforced with ribbed GFRP bars.