Effect of Shear Reinforcement Ratio on Shear Capacity of BFRP Bars Reinforced Concrete Beams
摘要
The study analyzed the bending and shear behavior of concrete beams with longitudinal and shear reinforcement made of BFRP bars. The results of the analysis were compared to the behavior of the reference beams reinforced with steel bars. The research program included an analysis of 24 beams with dimensions of 0.12 × 0.3 × 4.5 m, featuring various types of longitudinal reinforcement and different stirrup spacings. The variation in stirrup spacing among the beam series aimed to demonstrate the potential for reducing the number of stirrups, with their function being partially replaced by fiber-reinforced concrete. The basalt fiber content was 8 kg/m3 of concrete. The test results showed that the addition of basalt fibers increased the shear capacity by, on average, 20% in both series. The BFRP-reinforced beams exhibited lower shear capacities, up to 26% less compared to the steel-reinforced ones. The basalt fibers also influenced the failure modes of the beams, causing a shift from brittle web shear crushing to more ductile shear-flexural failures. The load-deflection behavior of the beams was complex and significantly affected by the type of longitudinal reinforcement used and the presence of basalt fibers in the concrete. The basalt fibers effectively compensated for the reduced stirrup spacing, improving crack resistance and distribution, as well as increasing the energy required for beam failure. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential use of BFRP bars and basalt fibers in concrete structures to enhance their durability and structural efficiency.