Post-heating behavior of concrete beams reinforced with fiber reinforced polymer bars

The present paper investigates the post heating behavior of concrete beams reinforced with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars, namely carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. Thirty rectangular concrete beams were prepared and cured for 28 days. Then, beams were either subjected (in duplicates) to elevated temperatures in the range (100 to 500 degrees C) or left at room temperature before tested under four point loading for flexural response. Experimental results showed that beams, reinforced with CFRP and GFRP bars and subjected to temperatures below 300 degrees C, showed better mechanical performance than that of corresponding ones with conventional reinforcing steel bars. The results also revealed that ultimate load capacity and stiffness pertaining to beams with FRP reinforcement decreased, yet their ultimate deflection and toughness increased with higher temperatures. All beams reinforced with FRP materials, except those post-heated to 500 degrees C, failed by concrete crushing followed by tension failure of FRP bars.