Composite Grids for Reinforcement of Concrete Structures.
Abstract
This research investigated a new concept that uses fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite grid to reinforce concrete structural members. Prefabricated two- and three-dimensional FRP grid structures were investigated as a possible alternative to conventional one-dimensional steel reinforcement rods. Currently available commercial grid manufacturing techniques were found to be inadequate due to material flaws, poor fiber volume fraction, and low strength and stiffness. Through laboratory investigations, significant improvements in fiber volume fraction in orthogrid and isogrid systems were achieved. Laboratory-scale samples demonstrated excellent results under loading tests. Concurrent investigations showed that although the FRP grid-reinforced concrete is more flexible than steel-reinforced concrete, its post failure deformation was pseudo-ductile, characterized by continuous structural deformation through multiple low-level brittle failures before the onset of catastrophic failure. It was also found that a combined concrete/composite reinforcement structure, with a higher volume of FRP composite fraction in the concrete, would substantially increase stiffness, load capacity, and postfailure concrete containmenL This study addressed not only the possible replacement of steel reinforcement with composite grids, but also investigated enhancement of the composite application through load-sharing with steel reinforcement in a complementary fashion. Various manufacturing improvements also were explored, including the novel use of disposable toolings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA349721
Entities
People
- David M. Bailey
- David W. Jensen
- John R. Hayes Jr.
- Plyush K. Dutta
- Stephen W. Tsai
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory