Service Load Behavior of Hybrid UHPC T-Beams Reinforced with GFRP Bars

Abstract

Six hybrid Tee beams reinforced with GFRP were the subject of an experimental study in this article, the main parameters that were investigated were different reinforcement ratios and different stirrup spacings. Load deflection, load-stress curve, cracking pattern behavior were all observed during the service loading stage. When compared to normal reinforcing steel bars, GFRP is known as a lightweight, non-corrosive material with a low modulus of elasticity; this property is considered the main drawback of GFRP bars. The targets of this study are to depict an experimental investigation of the flexural behavior of hybrid concrete (Ultra-high-performance concrete and normal concrete) beams reinforced with GFRP, to explore the effect of the GFRP bars on flexural capacity in terms of failure modes, serviceability, and strength. The results indicate that an increase in the reinforcement ratio leads to an enhancement in the load-carrying capacity of GFRP reinforced beams, increases the deflection, crack width, and crack distribution. Reducing the stirrups spacing increases the ductility and strength of the beams. One of the most significant findings was the decrease in the deflection by 32% when increasing the GFRP reinforcement ratio for 10 cm stirrup spacing while in on the other hand stirrup spacing of 7 cm shows a decrease in the deflection by 22% for lower percentage ratios.