Flexural Behavior Of Basalt Fiber Reinforced One-Way Concrete Slabs Reinforced With Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars

Abstract

The State of Qatar suffers from a harsh environment in the form of high temperature that prevails almost all year round, in addition to severe humidity and coastal conditions. This exposure leads to the rapid deterioration and the reduction of the life span of reinforced concrete (RC) infrastructure. The full functionality and safe use of the infrastructure in such an environment can only be maintained by using holistic approaches including the use of advanced materials for new construction. This study will, therefore, investigate the feasibility of using advanced composites, especially fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials as viable alternatives to traditional construction materials. The purpose of this study is to investigate the flexural performance, serviceability and ultimate capacity of basalt fiber reinforced concrete (BFRC) one-way concrete slabs reinforced with FRP bars experimentally and analytically. A total of 12 BFRC one-way concrete slab specimens were flexural tested until failure. The parameters investigated included the type of reinforcement (Basalt FRP bars and Glass FRP bars), reinforcement ratio (1.4 Pfb and 2.8Pfb), and the basalt macro-fiber (BMF) volume fraction (0%, 0.5%,1% and 2%). The deflection, tensile bars strain and compressive concrete strain at mid-span of the slab were measured and recorded. The testing results of the specimens were compared to the control specimens. Test results showed that cracking moment, ultimate moment, mid span deflection and ductility index were improved with the addition of both the BMF and the main reinforcement ratio. Deflection and capacity were calculated analytically using different codes and guidelines, compared to the tested results the results were acceptable. Test results clearly showed that both BFRP bars and BMF can be used as an alternative material in concrete structures at the State of Qatar.