Abstract
The paper describes an experimental program for studying the fatigue performance of GFRP bars, which has been initiated by the authors. Two different test configurations were used to assess the fatigue behaviour. The bare specimens were tested within the first series. A modified gripping system was used to reduce eccentricity when the bar was not directly fixed. However, the boundary conditions seem to affect the results. The second series consisted of a set of specimens of bars embedded in concrete. This configuration seems appropriate for determination of fatigue life of GFRP bars. Two S-N curves for bare bars and bars embedded in concrete were created and compared. Significant reduction of interlaminar shear strength at the beginning of fatigue loading proved matrix or fibre/matrix interface damage.
Highlights
At present, many bridge constructions are in a very bad, almost emergency state, and require remediation due to the corrosion of steel reinforcement, which is greatly accelerated by chlorides, moisture and freezing cycles
The potential of composite reinforcement can only be exploited after a perfect description of their long-term properties, which are the key to a reliable design
The lower fatigue life of the bare bars tested in this study indicates the negative impact of anchoring
Summary
Many bridge constructions are in a very bad, almost emergency state, and require remediation due to the corrosion of steel reinforcement, which is greatly accelerated by chlorides, moisture and freezing cycles. Composite reinforcement in these application areas appears to be a suitable alternative to steel reinforcement. In addition to the level and nature of the load, an important factor that potentially negatively affects the long-term characteristics of the composite material is the alkaline environment, the humidity and the temperature, which generally reduce the tensile strength of FRP reinforcement [5, 6]. The bare bars showed a fatigue life of approximately one level higher than for bars embedded in the beam specimens
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
