Contribution of Longitudinal GFRP Bars in Concrete Cylinders under Axial Compression

Abstract

Contribution of longitudinal glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars in concrete columns under compression has been ignored by current design guidelines. This paper challenges this convention by testing 21 concrete cylinders (150 mm × 300 mm) reinforced with longitudinal GFRP and steel bars in compression. It was observed that GFRP bars could sustain high level of compressive strains long after the peak load of the specimens without any premature crushing. The results of a new coupon test method showed that the elastic modulus of GFRP bars in compression is slightly higher than that of in tension, however the compressive strength was obtained 67% of tensile strength. An analytical model was successfully implemented to predict the axial capacity of the tests specimens and it was found that the contribution of the bars in the load capacity of the specimens was within 4.5-18.4% proportional to the bars reinforcement ratio normalized to the elastic modulus of steel bars.