Prediction of Long-Term Performance and Durability of BFRP Bars under the Combined Effect of Sustained Load and Corrosive Solutions

Abstract

AbstractUnlike carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars and the maturely developed glass FRP (GFRP) bars, the long-term performance of the newly developed basalt-fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars under severe environmental conditions remains unclear. This paper evaluates the residual tensile properties of unstressed and stressed BFRP bars exposed to four types of simulated harsh environments: alkaline solution, salt solution, acid solution, and de-ionized water at 25, 40, and 55°C. Microstructural analysis using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) was also conducted to reveal the inherent degradation mechanism of BFRP bars in alkaline environment. The residual tensile strength of unstressed BFRP bars exposed to alkaline solution was used for long-term performance prediction based on Arrhenius theory. The results showed that the effect on the durability of BFRP bars exposed to acid, salt, and deionized water was less than that for bars exposed to alkaline solution. The effects of sustained stress on...