Application of basalt-FRP bars for reinforcing geotechnical concrete structures

Abstract

The fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars have become a useful substitute for conventional reinforcement in civil engineering structures for which load capacity and resistance to environmental influences are required. They are often used in concrete structural elements exposed to strong environmental aggression, such as foundations, breakwaters and other seaside structures, road structures and tanks. The basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) is the most recently FRP composite, appearing within the last decade. Due to their mechanical properties different from steel bars, such as higher tensile strength and lower Young's modulus, BFRP bars are predestined for use in structures for which the ultimate limit state is rather decisive than serviceability limit state. Experimental tests were carried out to assess the influence of static long-term loads and cyclic freezing/thawing on the behaviour of concrete model beams with non-metallic reinforcement. The bars made of basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) and hybrid (basalt and carbon) fiber reinforced polymer (HFRP) were used as non-metallic reinforcement. The mechanical properties of both types of bars were also determined.