Title: Serviceability and Ultimate Load Behavior of Concrete Beams Reinforced with Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bars

Author(s): Thilan Ovitigala, Mustapha A. Ibrahim, and Mohsen A. Issa

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 113

Issue: 4

Appears on pages(s): 757-768

Keywords: basalt; beam; deflection; fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs); flexure; reinforcement; serviceability

DOI: 10.14359/51688752

Date: 7/1/2016

Abstract:
The flexural properties of eight 200 x 300 mm (8 x 12 in.) concrete beams reinforced with basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) reinforcing bars were investigated. The beams were reinforced with four different sizes of BFRP (10, 13, 16, and 25 mm). The flexural reinforcement ratios ρf ranged from 1.43 to 10.70 times the balanced ratio ρfb. The beams were divided into three categories with low, moderate, and high ρf. As expected, all the beams failed by crushing of the concrete in the top compression fiber. Higher ρf/ρfb, to some extent, has a better effect on reducing the deflection than increasing the beam’s ultimate strength. The strain compatibility equation per ACI 440.1R-06 was conservative in predicting the ultimate flexural strain in the BFRP bars and the ultimate moment capacity. The effective moment of inertia (Ie) prediction model recommended by ACI 440.1R was the least conservative among other models when compared with the experimental Ie.