Bond Strength of Spaced and Bundled GFRP Deformed Reinforcing Bars in Concrete

Deformed fiberglass bars used to reinforce concrete has the potential for better bond to concrete than other types. Currently, design guides and codes for concrete structures include design provisions for bond strength of spaced bars only. Also, these provisions are based on sand-coated bars, which are different from deformed bars. Finally, code equations are based on splitting-bond failure which is typical for beams and slabs, but not for certain connections like barrier walls and bride decks. In large concrete structures, it is common to use bundled bars for speed and efficiency of construction. For this type, a bundling reduction factor is typically used for steel bars, but currently nothing equivalent is available for fiberglass bars. This study will launch a comprehensive full scale experimental program to address this gap. Both bundled bars and equivalent spaced bars will be tested to arrive at the development length. Bundles of two, three and four bars will be tested. Also, development length for pull-out rather than splitting failure will be established.

Faculty Supervisor:

Amir Fam

Student:

Partner:

MST Rebar Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure; Manufacturing

University:

Queen's University

Program: