Research Activities: 2000

Characterization of a New FRP Bar for Reinforcement of Concrete

Status

Complete

View Report:

PDF 
 

Sequential Number

R49
 

Identification Number

R-5-38060
 

Matching Research Agency

Dow Chemical
 

Principal Investigator

John J. Myers, Assistant Professor
Civil Engineering
University of Missouri-Rolla
Rolla, MO 65409
p(573) 341-6618
f(573) 341-6215
jmyers@mst.edu
 

Student Involvement

(1) One Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)
 

Project Objective

The objective of this research program is to provide the first level validation of the product under development.
 

Project Abstract

Dow Chemical and its partners are developing a new GFRP bar to be used for concrete reinforcement. The bar needs to be fully characterized in order to be specified as suitable reinforcement for concrete members as per the newly approved ACI 440 design guidelines. The objective of this battery of tests is to provide the first level validation of the product under development. Tests will be conducted on a prototype, 12-mm diameter, smooth, GFRP rod samples.

Tensile characterization:
Tensile tests will be conducted to determine the stress-strain relationship of the rod and in particular: stiffness, strength and ultimate strain. Specimens will be unconditioned and tested at room temperature.

Durability characterization:
 The environmental pre-conditioning scheme consists of exposing FRP rod samples to a highly alkaline solution for a period of 28 days. The solution contains potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide, which are representative of pore water present in concrete. The selected temperature for accelerated testing of the FRP material is 60°C. In this investigation, 60°C is chosen for acceleration because it should fall within a range that is believed to activate only one strength degradation mechanism in glass fiber and it is well below the glass transition temperature of the polymer resin (at least 115°C). The conditioning containers are 10-cm-dia., 25-cm-high, glass tubes with an airtight rubber cap.

 

Task Description

Tests will be conducted on a prototype, 12-mm diameter, smooth, GFRP rod samples.
 
 

Anticipated Benefits

It is anticipated that the results of this research study will validate or discount the durability performance and mechanical property performance of a new GFRP rebar for use as a primary reinforcement for concrete reinforced components. If the bar is appropriate for use in RC components, these structures will result in lower maintenance costs, and a longer service life, thereby a tremendous benefit to the residents of the State of Missouri and US.
 

Modal Orientation

N/A
 

Milestones

Project Start Date:10/01/2000
Project End Date:12/31/2001
 

Relationship to other Research/Projects

This one of several ongoing research projects carried by the investigator related to the use and performance of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) under the Center of Infrastructure Engineering Studies.
 

Technology Transfer Activities

Findings will be published in structural, materials and/or bridge related publications. A final report will also be available through the Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies at the University of Missouri-Rolla.
 

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Fiber reinforced polymer bar, non-corrosive reinforcement