CURVED NON FERROUS REINFORCEMENT FOR CONCRETE STRUCTURES

Abstract

The mechanical properties of composite reinforcing elements differ fromthose of conventional steel rebars in a number of ways. As a result,several issues need to be taken into account when designing concreteelements reinforced with composite reinforcement. For example, it hasbeen proven experimentally that the capacity of curved compositeelements can be considerably lower than that of their straightcounterparts. This paper reports on an experimental study that wascarried out at the University of Sheffield to investigate the capacityof curved composite reinforcing elements. Direct pull-out tests wereperformed on thermoplastic composite strips embedded in concrete cubes.A total of 47 specimens and 19 different configurations were tested. Theparameters that were investigated included geometry of the bend, surfacetreatment, embedment length and concrete strength. This paper presentsthe preliminary findings of this experimental investigation as concernsthe problems related to the use and performance of curved FRP bars inconcrete.