Thermoplastic Composite Rebar Durability and Mechanical Testing

Details

• Creators:
  Thapa, Rohan ; Bhandari, Sunil ; Lopez-Anido, Roberto ; Frankhauser, Wayne
• Corporate Creators:
  University of Maine. Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center (TIDC)
• Corporate Contributors:
  Maine. Department of Transportation
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Composite Structures Corrosion Durability Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics Mechanical Tests Reinforcing Bars Thermoplastic Materials
• Publication/ Report Number:
  TIDC Project 2.25
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States ; Maine
• Corporate Publisher:
  Maine. Department of Transportation
• Abstract:
  This research investigated the viability of novel glass-fiber reinforced thermoplastic (TP) composite rebars, manufactured using a continuous forming process, as a potential field-bendable and corrosion-proof alternative to conventional steel and commercial glass-fiber reinforced thermoset (TS) rebars. The study focused on TP composites using polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide-12 (PA12), and polypropylene (PP), evaluating their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties based on industry standards (ACI, AASHTO, ASTM). TP bars were manufactured using a continuous forming process. Baseline characterization identified GF+PBT composites as the most promising, performing comparably to TS rebars, though results indicated a need for improved matrix consolidation. Durability was assessed via immersion in high-pH alkaline solutions (pH 12.6-13.0) at elevated temperatures (up to 80°C). Unlike TS rebars which showed minimal degradation, the GF+PBT bars exhibited significant strength loss and matrix degradation, linked to high moisture uptake. This highlights a critical need for improved matrix chemical resistance and lower void content. Overall, GF+PBT rebars show significant promise but require further optimization in processing and matrix formulation to improve chemical resistance.
• Format:
  PDF
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:e3bf8c35a2bbda1c8ce425945b1d6a8b6decaa87f5418d0aa14eb5737861f555485fc7564b0d5ab7689bc2b57bb3982541d84bed36f6873d87a491455b782eee
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/92263/dot_92263_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 3.94 MB ]