Development Length of GFRP Reinforcement in Concrete Bridge Decks

Project summary:

There are many benefits to utilizing non-metallic reinforcement in concrete structures. Non-metallic reinforcing materials, such as glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), will not corrode and will be unaffected by other environmental factors. Reinforcement of this type will lead to a decrease in maintenance and an increase in the life of the structure. However, many questions remain about the suitability of non-metallic materials for concrete reinforcement. There are many conflicting experimental results in the literature about bond strength and proper embedment length for GFP rebar. The results indicate a large variability in the bond between GFRP rebar and concrete. Before appropriate material resistance factors can be developed for design, this variability must be better understood. A large experimental program will be undertaken to better understand the bond and the variability in the bond of GFRP rebar in concrete. Parameters to be studied which may affect bond include bar size, embedment length, concrete strength and bar manufacturer. Bond testing will be conducted using inverted half-beam specimens.