Title:
Flexural Behavior of Concrete Beams Reinforced with GFRP Bars Preconditioned in Marine Environments (Prepublished)
Author(s):
Slim Gassara, Basil Ibrahim, Salaheldin Mousa, Hamdy M. Mohamed, and Brahim Benmokrane
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
bond; conditioned GFRP bars; crack-with; deformability; design codes; durability; flexural behavior; GFRP-reinforced concrete beams; marine environment
DOI:
10.14359/51751740
Date:
5/21/2026
Abstract:
Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional steel reinforcement in concrete structures due to their superior corrosion resistance and light weight. These advantages make GFRP particularly suitable for use in saline environments, such as for marine infrastructure, where exposure to chloride ions and harsh conditions accelerates the degradation of conventional steel reinforcement. This study investigated the durability and flexural behavior of concrete beams reinforced with GFRP bars preconditioned in simulated marine environments. Ten beams were prepared: six beams reinforced with GFRP bars conditioned in a saline solution at 60°C for 3, 6, and 12 months prior to concrete pouring; four unconditioned beams served as controls. The experimental results revealed that the GFRP-reinforced beams exhibited negligible reductions in flexural capacity and stiffness after exposure to marine conditions, confirming their suitability for marine structural applications. In addition, theoretical calculations using the Arrhenius model were conducted to predict the long-term performance of GFRP bars over a 100-year period in tropical regions and a 150-year period in northern regions. This research enhances the understanding of GFRP’s long-term durability in aggressive environments and supports its use in infrastructure subjected to marine conditions.