Title:
Tensile Performance of GFRP Bars Connected with FRP Couplers
Author(s):
Hays
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_S23_Hays.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
4/2/2023
Abstract:
Concrete structures serve an important role in society's infrastructure, and they often include steel reinforcement bars that may be connected via steel couplers to increase tensile strength. However, corrosion of the reinforcing steel can cause unwanted cracking and spalling of concrete, deteriorating the structural member. Nonmetallic components such as GFRP bars and FRP couplers present a solution to this corrosion issue. These bars and couplers have been manufactured, but there is insufficient testing data on their performance under tension as well as research on how to best connect the bars and coupler. The objective of this research project was to evaluate the performance of GFRP bars connected with FRP couplers during tensile testing (Fig. 1). A control tensile test was conducted with steel reinforcing bars and a steel coupler to establish a baseline for performance. Connecting GFRP bars with epoxy couplers was also investigated to expand the range of results. The test results fill an important knowledge gap related to the performance of GFRP bars connected with corrosion-resistant couplers that may be used as a suitable replacement for steel in reinforced concrete structures.