Flexural performance of FRP-reinforced geopolymer concrete beam

Abstract

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) rebar and geopolymer concrete (GPC) are relatively new construction materials that are now been increasingly used in the construction sectors. Both materials exhibit superior structural and durability properties that also make them a sustainable alternative solution. Due to the absence of any design standard for an FRP-reinforced GPC beam, it is important to validate the efficacy of available standards and literature related to other materials, e.g., FRP-reinforced conventional concrete or GPC alone. Four theories/design standards are considered for this comparison—ACI440.1R-15, CAN/CSA S806-12, parabolic stress block theory, and equivalent rectangular stress block theory for GPC under compression. The accuracy of these four approaches is also examined by studying the flexural performance of both the glass FRP (GFRP) and carbon FRP (CFRP). The FRP-reinforced beams are designed against the actual load they will be subjected to in a real-world scenario. It is concluded that parabolic stress block theory over-estimates the capacity, whereas CSA S806-12 yields the most accurate and conservative results. In addition, the flexural performance of the FRP-reinforced beams is evaluated in terms of ultimate, cracking, and service moment capacity, along with serviceable, ultimate, and residual deflection.