Experimental Study on the Flexural Properties of Concrete Beams Reinforced with Hybrid Steel/Fiber-Belt-Bars

Reinforcement corrosion poses a great threat to the safety of reinforced concrete structures, and the fiber-reinforced polymer is the ideal material to partially replace steel bars due to the high strength, light weight and good durability. However, the selection of appropriate fiber materials and a reasonable ratio of fiber bar to steel bar is not clear. Here, we measured the mechanical properties of fiber bars containing aramid fiber and carbon fiber. The deflection deformation, crack distribution and maximum crack width of the concrete upon various loads were experimentally and theoretically investigated. The predictions of the maximum crack width and deflection of reinforced concrete beams under various loads were proposed in ACI standard, which may provide guidance for further applications of fiber-belt-bar-containing concrete beams.