Title:
Serviceability and Strength of Polypropylene-Reinforced Self- Consolidating Concrete Beams Reinforced with Glass Fiber- Reinforced Polymer Bars under Bending Cyclic Loading
Author(s):
E. Ibrahim, Abdoulaye Sanni B., A. E. Salama, A. Yahia, and B. Benmokrane
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
122
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
205-218
Keywords:
crack width; cyclic loading; deflection; deformability; flexural behavior; glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar; polypropylene fiber (PF); reinforced concrete beams; self-consolidating concrete (SCC); serviceability; strength
DOI:
10.14359/51745489
Date:
7/1/2025
Abstract:
This study investigated the serviceability behavior and strength of
polypropylene fiber (PF)-reinforced self-consolidating concrete
(PFSCC) beams reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer
(GFRP) bars. Five full-scale concrete beams measuring 3100 mm
long x 200 mm wide x 300 mm deep (122.1 x 7.9 x 11.8 in.) were
fabricated and tested up to failure under four-point bending cyclic
loading. Test parameters included the longitudinal reinforcement
ratio (0.78, 1.18, and 1.66%) and PF volume (0, 0.5, and 0.75%
by concrete volume). The effect of these parameters on serviceability
behavior and strength of the test specimens is analyzed
and discussed herein. All the beams were evaluated for cracking
behavior, deflection, crack width, strength, failure mode, stiffness
degradation, and deformability factor. The test results revealed
that increasing the reinforcement ratio and PF volume enhanced
the serviceability and flexural performance of the beams by effectively restraining crack widths, reducing deflections at the service and ultimate limit states, and decreasing residual deformation. The stiffness exhibited a fast-to-slow degradation trend until failure for all beams, at which point the beams with a higher reinforcement ratio and fiber volume evidenced higher residual stiffness. The cracking moment, flexural capacities, and crack width of the tested beams were predicted according to the North American
codes and design guidelines and compared with the experimental
ones. Lastly, the deformability for all beams was quantified with the
J-factor approach according to CSA S6-19. Moreover, the tested
beams demonstrated adequate deformability as per the calculated
deformability factors.