Fracture Performance of GFRP Bars Embedded in Concrete Beams with Cracks in an Alkaline Environment
Publication: Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 20, Issue 6
Abstract
An experimental and analytical investigation of the fracture performance of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars embedded in concrete beams with cracks is presented. Beams with cracks were conditioned with sustained flexural loads in outdoor, 60°C-alkaline solution, and tap water environments for up to 9 months, after which they were subjected to eccentric three-point flexure tests to evaluate fracture performance and microscopic tests to analyze the changes in microscopic structures through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the cracks aggravated the influence of the environments on GFRP-RC beams but did not change the mechanisms of mechanical degradation of the GFRP bars. Based on the research conclusions, the same durability tests and eccentric three-point flexure tests were conducted to determine the permissible crack values and treatment recommendations for GFRP-RC beams with different precrack widths. These results will provide a certain theoretical basis for the crack specifications of GFRP RC structures.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51178361). The authors thank Professor Charles E. Bakis of Pennsylvania State University for his professional guidance.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 20 • Issue 6 • December 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 1, 2015
Accepted: Jan 11, 2016
Published online: Apr 12, 2016
Discussion open until: Sep 12, 2016
Published in print: Dec 1, 2016
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