Analysis of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Grid Reinforced Concrete Beams

In recent years, research on fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)
composite grids has demonstrated that these products may be as
practical and cost-effective as reinforcements for concrete
structures.
1-5
FRP grid reinforcement offers several advantages
in comparison with conventional steel reinforcement and FRP
reinforcing bars. FRP grids are prefabricated, noncorrosive, and
lightweight systems suitable for assembly automation and ideal
for reducing field installation and maintenance costs. Research
on constructability issues and economics of FRP reinforcement
cages for concrete members has shown the potential of
these reinforcements to reduce life-cycle costs and significantly
increase construction site productivity.
6
Three-dimensional FRP composite grids provide a mechanical
anchorage within the concrete due to intersecting elements, and
thus no bond is necessary for proper load transfer. This type of
reinforcement provides integrated axial, flexural, and shear
reinforcement, and can also provide a concrete member with
the ability to fail in a pseudoductile manner. Continuing
research is being conducted to fully understand the behavior of
composite grid reinforced concrete to commercialize its use
and gain confidence in its design for widespread structural
applications. For instance, there is a need to predict the correct
failure mode of composite grid reinforced concrete beams
where there is significant flexural-shear cracking.
7 This type
of information is critical for the development of design
guidelines for FRP grid reinforced concrete members.
Current flexural design methods for FRP reinforced concrete
beams are analogous to the design of concrete beams using
conventional reinforcement.
8 The geometrical shape, ductility,
modulus of elasticity, and force transfer characteristics of FRP
composite grids, however, are likely to be different than
conventional steel or FRP bars. Therefore, the behavior of
concrete beams with this type of reinforcement needs to be
thoroughly investigated.
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