FRP RC beams by collected test data: Comparison with design standard, parameter sensitivity, and reliability analyses

Abstract

In the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the utilization of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials as reinforcing elements in concrete structures due to their excellent properties. Unlike traditional steel rebars, FRP rebars do not rust, which helps to prevent degradation and deterioration of the concrete structure over time. This growth has resulted in a rise in the application of design regulations for FRP-reinforced concrete (RC) members. There are currently no European standards that offer suggestions about FRP RC structures. This paper aims to assess the load- carrying capacity and deflection of FRP RC beams with large number of test data available against design standards. The results are compared with ACI 440.1 R-06 specifications and EC2 concepts available in fib Bulletin No. 40. It was found that both ACI and EC2 underestimate the shear flexural capacity. Both design codes presented 38% and 62% of the collected data that overestimated and underestimated the calculation of the deflection, respectively. A parameter influence analysis is performed considering the database collected, and a reliability analysis based on Annex D EN 1990 (2002) is conducted. The reliability analysis allowed suggestion new partial safety factors values of 1.45 and 1.65 for moment and shear capacities, respectively, which can be used by design engineering communities.