Numerical parametric investigation on the moment redistribution of basalt FRC continuous beams with basalt FRP bars

Abstract

Recently, researchers’ efforts have been directed toward using fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) in lieu of conventional concrete to improve the compressive strain, tensile strength capacity, cracking patterns, and ductility of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforced concrete members. In this study, a numerical one-factor-at-a-time parametric study including 144 finite element (FE) models was performed using ABAQUS 6.14 software to deeply explore the influence of the volume ratios of basalt macro-fiber (BMF), reinforcement ratios of basalt FRP (BFRP) bars, and stirrups spacing on the moment redistribution of basalt FRC continuous beams reinforced with BFRP bars. It was shown that the most influential parameter on the moment redistribution was the longitudinal reinforcement configuration. While a higher moment redistribution was noticed with higher sagging reinforcement ratios and BMF, stirrups spacing showed no effect on the moment redistribution. It was also observed that the moments were inversely distributed for FE models having high hogging-to-sagging reinforcement ratios. The sagging-to-hogging reinforcement ratio is recommended to be at least 1.6 to ensure a uniform moment redistribution. Furthermore, a multiple linear regression model was developed using Minitab 17 software to establish a relationship between the investigated parameters and the beams’ moment redistribution. The moment redistribution was accurately predicted using the developed regression model.