United States Department of Transportation
i
Long-term performance of GFRP reinforcement : technical report.
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2009-12-01
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[PDF-7.28 MB]
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Edition:Technical report; Sept. 2007-Aug. 2008.
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Abstract:Significant research has been performed on glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) concrete reinforcement.
This research has shown that GFRP reinforcement exhibits high strengths, is lightweight, can decrease time of
construction, and is corrosion resistant. Regarding the corrosion resistance, research has shown that the chemical
reactions that occur in GFRP bars do not result in expansive products—products that can damage the concrete
surrounding the reinforcement. Although not classical steel corrosion, much research that has been performed
shows that GFRP reinforcing bars do corrode, reducing the tensile capacity of the GFRP reinforcing bars as a
function of time. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) recognized this and places a reduction factor on the
allowable design strength of GFRP reinforcing bars. A drawback of the majority of the research is that GFRP
reinforcing bars have typically been directly exposed to aggressive solutions, exposure conditions possibly not
similar to the exposure they would encounter while embedded in concrete. Limited research has been performed
evaluating the tensile capacity reduction of bars embedded in concrete; however, these bars were only exposed for
relatively short durations.
This research investigated the characteristics of GFRP reinforcing bars embedded in concrete for 7 years and
exposed to a mean annual temperature of 69 oF (23 oC) and an average precipitation of 39.7 inches (1008 mm),
fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. Three manufacturers provided #5 and #6 bars for this research.
Results indicate that GFRP reinforcing bars do exhibit reduced capacities when embedded in concrete. A model
was developed to assess the tensile capacity of bars embedded in concrete. The model was based on a general
diffusion model, where diffusion of water or ions penetrate the bar matrix and degrade the glass fibers. The model
is dependent on time, diffusion characteristics of the matrix material, and the radius of the GFRP reinforcing bar.
The model indicates that GFRP reinforcement bars with larger diameters exhibit lower rates of capacity loss.
However, the times required for the tensile capacity of the GFRP bars to drop below the ACI design requirements
for #3, #5, and #6 bars were less than 6 years. Further research is needed to determine how this will affect the
design of GFRP-reinforced concrete structures; however, consideration of changing the ACI design requirement
may be warranted.
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