International Concrete Abstracts Portal

Title: Use of a New Glass-Fiber Rod as Reinforcement for Concrete Structures

Author(s): O. Chaalal

Publication: Special Publication

Volume: 128

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 515-528

Keywords: glass fibers; mechanical properties; pultrusion process; reinforced concrete; rods; structures; tests; Materials Research

Date: 11/1/1991

Abstract:
The last few years have seen the cost of repairs and rehabilitation of major constructions become an urgent concern. In particular, the ever increasing use of reinforced concrete in corrosive and marine environment for the construction of bridges, tunnels, causeways, canals, dams, docks, retaining walls, multistory parking facilities, etc., has resulted in severe premature deteriorations. It has been established that these deteriorations are due mainly to the corrosion of the steel reinforcement in the concrete. This obviously has led many building codes to adopt a more stringent view on the durability of reinforced concrete against corrosion in specific constructions. Many procedures and techniques such as dense and latex concrete covers, epoxy-coated reinforcing steels, synthetic membranes, etc., have been used more or less successfully to meet these requirements. All these techniques, however, are expensive and their long-term efficiency is questionable. Therefore, the need for a more positive alternative to replace conventional steel reinforcing bars, at least for some applications, becomes conspicuous. This has led to the development of a new composite fiber glass rod. This new product has been evaluated in terms of mechanical properties and structural behavior as a reinforcing element and the results are presented in this paper. Immediate as well as long-term applications are discussed in terms of experimental as well as theoretical and economical considerations.