Load-Bearing Capacity of Beams Reinforced with Composite Rebar in Regard to Existing Guidelines

Non-metallic reinforcement such as fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) is now being increasingly used in construction. Despite numerous similarities, elements reinforced with non-metallic bars work differently from the ones reinforced with steel bars, including cracking and failure mode. The examination of the stress state in these elements, so important for their proper design, raises many difficulties. The article presents the results of tests of bended beams reinforced with GFRP bars. The results of the experimental tests were compared with calculations based on selected design instructions. The results have shown that beams reinforced with GFRP exhibit increased cracking, higher deflection, and often mode of failure through crushing of concrete. The results have shown that in bended elements reinforced with the GFRP bars, the rebar often does not achieve the strength declared by the manufacturer. The study has shown that theoretical values of load-bearing capacity of beams reinforced with composite rebar differ greatly between different guidelines and instruction. The analysis showed that the use of GFRP bars as a replacement for steel bars is possible in demanding environmental conditions. However, excessive deflections and cracks may result in limited application due to overall serviceability requirements of the element.