• International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2017

The compression or tension-controlled failure mode of concrete beams prestressed with unbonded FRP tendons is governed by the relative amount of prestressing tendon to the balanced one. Explicit assessment to determine the balanced reinforcement ratio of a beam with unbonded tendons (${\rho}^U_{pfb}$) is difficult because it requires a priori knowledge of the deformed beam geometry in order to evaluate the unbonded tendon strain. In this study, a theoretical evaluation of ${\rho}^U_{pfb}$ is presented based on a concept of three equivalent rectangular curvature blocks for simply supported concrete beams internally prestressed with unbonded carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) tendons. The equivalent curvature blocks were iteratively refined to closely simulate beam rotations at the supports, mid-span beam deflection, and member-dependent strain of the unbonded tendon at the ultimate state. The model was verified by comparing its predictions with the test results. Parametric studies were performed to examine the effects of various parameters on ${\rho}^U_{pfb}$.

• Advanced Composite Materials
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.89-99
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• 2008

Using a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA), mechanical properties like modulus and phase transition temperature of polyester composites of banana fibers (treated and untreated) are measured simultaneously. The shifting of phase transition temperature is observed in some treatments. The performance of the composite depends to a large extent on the adhesion between polymer matrix and the reinforcement. This is often achieved by surface modification of the matrix or the filler. Banana fiber was modified chemically to achieve improved interfacial interaction between the fiber and the polyester matrix. Various silanes and alkalies were used to modify the fiber surface. Chemical modification was found to have a profound effect on the fiber/matrix interaction, which is evident from the values of phase transition temperatures. Of the various chemical treatments, simple alkali treatment with 1% NaOH was found to be the most effective.

• International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.415-425
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• 2015

Reinforced concrete beams with insufficient shear reinforcement were strengthened using glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) plates. In the study, the effect of the number of bolts on the load capacity, energy dissipation, and stiffness of reinforced concrete beams were investigated by using anchor bolt of different numbers. Three strengthened with GFRP specimens, one flexural reference specimen designed in accordance to Regulation on Buildings Constructed in Disaster Areas rules, and one shear reinforcement insufficient reference specimen was tested. Anchorage was made on the surfaces of the beams in strengthened specimens using 2, 3 and 4 bolts respectively. All beams were tested under monotonic loads. Results obtained from the tests of strengthened concrete beams were compared with the result of good flexural reference specimen. The beam in which 4 bolts were used in adhering GFRP plates on beam surfaces carried approximately equal loads with the beam named as a flexural reference. The amount of energy dissipated by strengthened DE5 specimen was 96 % of the amount of energy dissipated by DE1 reference specimen. Strengthened DE5 specimen initial stiffness equal to DE1 reference specimen initial stiffness, but strengthened DE5 specimen yield stiffness about 4 % lower than DE1 reference specimen yield stiffness. Also, DE5 specimen exhibited ductile behavior and was fractured due to bending fracture. Upon the increase of the number of anchorages used in a strengthening collapsing manner of test specimens changed and load capacity and ductility thereof increased.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.473-490
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• 2015

This paper presents the analysis of intermediate crack-induced (IC) debonding failure loads for reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with adhesively-bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) plates or sheets. The analysis consists of the energy release and simple ACI methods. In the energy release method, a fracture criterion is employed to predict the debonding loads. The interfacial fracture energy that indicates the resistance to debonding is related to the bond-slip relationships obtained from the shear test of FRP-to-concrete bonded joints. The section analysis that considers the effect of concrete's tension stiffening is employed to develop the moment-curvature relationships of the FRP-strengthened sections. In the ACI method, the onset of debonding is assumed when the FRP strain reaches the debonding strain limit. The tension stiffening effect is neglected in developing a moment-curvature relationship. For a comparison purpose, both methods are used to numerically investigate the effects of relevant parameters on the IC debonding failure loads. The results show that the debonding failure load generally increases as the concrete compressive strength, FRP reinforcement ratio, FRP elastic modulus and steel reinforcement ratio increase.

• Proceedings of the Korea Concrete Institute Conference
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• 2008.11a
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• pp.57-60
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• 2008

Compared with a steel-reinforced section with equal areas of longitudinal reinforcement, a cross section using FRP flexural reinforcement after cracking has a smaller depth to the neutral axis because of the lower axial stiffness. The compression region of the cross section is reduced, and the crack widths are wider. As a result, the shear resistance provided by both aggregate interlock and compressed concrete is smaller. Research on the shear capacity of flexural members without shear reinforcement has indicated that the concrete shear strength is influenced by the stiffness of the flexural reinforcement. In this research, experimental observations were made for the shear strength of FRP reinforced concrete beam and validity of existing predicting equations were examined. Test results showed that shear strength decreased as shear-span increased.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.325-340
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• 2011

Based on the experimental data presented in part I of these companion papers, a semi-empirical model is proposed for axial stress-strain curves of reinforced high-strength concrete square columns confined by aramid fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) jackets. Additionally, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed to simulate the mechanical behaviors of the columns. In the finite element model, both material nonlinear and contact nonlinear are taken into account. Moreover, the influence of contact nonlinear (i.e., the end friction on the contact surface between test machines and specimens) is investigated deeply. Predictions from both the semi-empirical model and the finite element model agree with the experimental results, and it is also demonstrated that the friction coefficient of end friction notably affect the properties of columns when it ranges from 0.00 to 0.25.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.91 no.4
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• pp.335-347
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• 2024

This paper presents the behavior of geopolymer concrete beams reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. In the study, ordinary Portland cement concrete and geopolymer concrete beams having GFRP bars were prepared and tested under four-point loading. The load-deflection diagrams and load capacities of the tested beams were obtained. It was observed that the tested beams exhibited good ductility and significant deflection capacity. The results showed that increasing the tension GFRP reinforcement ratio caused enhancement in the strength capacity of geopolymer concrete beams. In addition, the tested beams were analyzed to obtain the load capacity and the load-deflection responses. The theoretical load-deflection curves and load bearing capacities have been predicted well with the test results. Parametric study has been performed to determine the influences of concrete strength, shear span to depth ratio (a/d) and reinforcement ratio on the behavior of geopolymer concrete beams longitudinally reinforced with GFRP bars. It was concluded that increasing concrete strength led to an increase in load capacity. Besides, the ultimate load increased as the reinforcement ratio increased. On the other hand, increasing a/d ratio reduced the ultimate load value of GFRP reinforced geopolymer concrete beams.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.65 no.2
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• pp.155-162
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• 2018

A smart glass fiber reinforced polymer (SMFRP) reinforcing bar with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor was fabricated using a pultrusion technique, while ribs were formed to improve bonding between concrete and SMFRP. Then, strain of SMFRP bars were measured for a uniaxial tension test of an SMFRP bar, and a four-point bending test of concrete beams reinforced with SMFRP bars. The results of a uniaxial tension test illustrate that the strain obtained from an FBG sensor agrees well with that obtained from electrical resistance strain gauge (ERSG). Additionally, concrete beams reinforced with SMFRP bars were fabricated, and actual flexural test were performed while the strain of with an FBG sensor was compared with that of ERSG. The experimental results demonstrate that SMFRP bars can be used as reinforcement of concrete member while providing deformation information. Furthermore, SMFRP bars may provide stronger durability and smart monitoring to reinforced concrete members under corrosive environments during a service life.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.315-323
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• 2013

Recently, FRB is being used more as reinforcement of RC beam thanks to its material advantages in construction industry. The external attachment reinforcement of FRP is a construction method with advantages such as high strength, stiffness, excellent durability and construction practicability, despite of its weight. However, the reinforcement has a disadvantage to cause damage on permanent structure as its structure is water-tight by low water permeability reinforcement, preventing water from draining outside. The study attempted flexural failure test for GP of which material properties are equally same as the existing FRP and that with permeability, shows good binding with the concrete structure, durable performance and durability, comparably analyzing the improvement of durability and ductility according to changes of fiber contents of composite strip.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.237-250
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• 2014

This paper experimentally investigates the seismic performance of RC columns retrofitted with Super Reinforcement with Flexibility (SRF), which is a polyester fiber reinforced polymer. A total of three specimens with a scale factor of 1/2 were constructed and tested in order to assess the structural behavior of the retrofitted RC columns. One specimen was a non-seismically designed column without any retrofit, while others were retrofitted with either one or two layers of the polyester belt with urethane as the adhesive. Static cyclic testing with a constant axial load was conducted to assess the seismic performance of the retrofitted RC columns. It is concluded that the SRF retrofitting method increases the strength and ductility of the RC columns and can also impact on the failure mode of the columns.