Title: Durability of GFRP Reinforced Concrete in Field Structures

Author(s): A. Mufti, M. Onofrei, B. Benmokrane, N. Banthia, M. Boulfiza, J. Newhook, B. Bakht, G. Tadros, and P. Brett

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 230

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1361-1378

Keywords: alkalinity; concrete; durability; field structures; GFRP

DOI: 10.14359/14898

Date: 10/1/2005

Abstract:
Recently, ISIS Canada studied the durability of GFRP in concrete in severalfield structures across Canada. The objective of the study was to provide theengineering community with the results of the performance of GFRP materials that havebeen exposed to the concrete environment in built structures. Cores of GFRP-reinforcedconcrete were removed from five field structures. Analytical methods, namely opticalmicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray, differentialscanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy, were used to determine thecomposition of GFRP after being subjected to the alkaline environment of concrete forfive to eight years. Three research teams from four Canadian universities performedmicroanalyses of the GFRP and surrounding concrete independently. Results indicatethat no deterioration of GFRP took place in any of the field structures. No chemicaldegradation processes occurred within the GFRP due to the alkalinity of the concrete.The overall conclusion of the study is that GFRP is durable in concrete. Also, it wasconcluded that the CHBDC was conservative in its first edition by not permitting GFRP asprimary reinforcement. As a result of the study, the second edition of the CHBDC,currently in the final stages of approval, permits the use of GFRP as primaryreinforcement.