Impact testing on reinforced concrete slab with bfrp bars as reinforcement

Abstract

Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) bar is an alternative to steel and glass fibre for reinforced concrete. Their unique characteristics makes them favourable compared to the other alternative materials. According to previous studies the BFRPbars are lighter and stronger than steel and has higher bending strength. But the research regarding the impact strength of BFRP bars are very limited. But the impact strength of materials is very important for many critical designs due. Thus, prompting the study of impact strength of BFRP bars. Basic tests were done to determine the strength of the materials to be used. Slabs of 550mm ×550mm ×50mm are made with varying centre to centre distance between bars in both cases of steel and basalt bars. The slabs are subjected to impact loading through the drop weight impact and the values such as crack length, width and depth are observed, and the result is observed in the form of ultimate crack resistance. Even though slabs with maximum centre to centre distance between bars failed very easily in both cases, the slabs with minimum centre to centre distance between bars gave considerable impact strength.