Effects of FRP Reinforcement Ratio and Concrete Strength on Flexural Behavior of Concrete Beams

Corrosion of the steel reinforcement in a cold and saline environment leads to the overall deterioration of reinforced concrete structures. To avoid such deterioration, fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) rebars are used in place of steel reinforcement. In the present paper, test results of 12 concrete beams reinforced with FRP rods are reported. The main parameters investigated in the study include the reinforcement ratio and the concrete strength. Theoretical models are proposed for the prediction of crack width, crack spacing, load-deflection response, ultimate capacity, and modes of failure. The concept of deformability is also discussed.