AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TO ANALYSE THE EFFECT OF USING GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED POLYMER (GFRP) BARS AS MAIN REINFORCEMENT IN BEAMS AND COLUMNS

Abstract

In this study, beams measuring 150 mm wide x 150 mm deep and 700 mm length were reinforced and casted with 10 mm diameter steel bars, Plain surfaced Glass Fibre reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars and ribbed surfaced GFRP bars. Out of the nine Beams, three were casted with plain surfaced GFRP bars, three with ribbed surfaced GFRP bars as per American Concrete Institute (ACI- 440) and the remaining three with steel bars as per detailing obtained by IS 456: 2000 – plain and reinforced concrete code of practice. Similar approach was conducted in case of columns. All the beams and columns were provided with 8 mm diameter steel stirrups. The beams and columns were tested after 28 days of curing period. The beams were tested for flexural strength and deflection under two point loading test from flexural testing machine while columns were tested for compressive strength under compression testing machine of capacity 3000 kN. The performance of beam and column specimen was analysed with reference to the important parameters like reinforcement material type (GFRP and Steel) and concrete compressive strength. It was comprehensively noted that ribbed GFRP bars in columns showed better performance than steel bars reinforced columns considering the appearance of initial cracks. In beams, although the load carrying capacity of steel bars reinforced beams was high but ribbed bars reinforced beams showed promising response in deflection.