Structural performance of Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforced concrete tilt-up wall panels under out-of-plane loads

Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) materials have emerged as a promising material in civil engineering applications due to their superior characteristics such as light weight, high strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Thanks to these features, GFRP bars have been used in many civil infrastructure applications. However, there are still opportunities to benefit from this innovative material. Using tilt-up wall panel method in construction of houses, and commercial and industrial buildings is a popular alternative to cast-in-place, precast, or masonry construction methods. Tilt-up wall panels are conventionally reinforced with steel bars, which are susceptible to corrosion. Thus, GFRP bars have great potential to be a sustainable alternative reinforcement. The superior characteristics of GFRP materials would extend the life cycle of tilt-up walls and reduce the related construction and repair costs. Despite these advantages, there are no relevant design equations and recommendations in FRP reinforced concrete design codes and guidelines. Thus, this study will provide a unique set of data and will introduce new design formulations and recommendations for GFRP reinforced concrete tilt-up wall panels. The results would allow owners, engineers and contractors to benefit from GFRP bars as internal reinforcement in tilt-up walls to be safe under vertical and lateral loads.

Faculty Supervisor:

Khaled Galal

Student:

Alireza Asadianardakani

Partner:

B&B FRP Manufacturing

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Concordia University