Experimental Study on Prestressed Concrete Beams with GFRP Reinforcement

This research aims to investigate the potential benefits of using Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars as reinforcement for prestressing applications. Six full-scale specimens 6.1 m long having a 762 × 254 mm cross section with different reinforcement ratios were built and tested. GFRP bars and stirrups were used in place of conventional steel reinforcement. All specimens were tested under four-point bending. The load-deflection response along with the failure modes were evaluated and presented. The test results showed how the different reinforcement ratios affected the behavior of the beams under service and ultimate conditions. A comparison between the experimental results and the analytical predictions from the flexure theory of reinforced concrete was performed. The analysis showed good agreement which explains the consistency of the experimental outcomes. The results of this study provide a strong scientific milestone for optimizing the design of pre-tensioned beams using GFRP reinforcement.