Investigation on Bond Performance Between Basalt FRP Rebars and Recycled Aggregate Concrete

Abstract

Bond development between rebars and concrete matrix is important for the reinforcing rebars to function effectively. In this research, a set of specimens were prepared to investigate the required development length for sand coated basalt fiber polymer bars (BFRP) embedded in recycled aggregate concrete. Samples with steel rebar were also prepared and tested and used as a reference. Two bar diameters for both steel and BFRP were tested (between 10 and 12 mm). Different embedment lengths were investigated in order to find the optimum development length for BFRP rebars. Recycled aggregate concrete mix with an average compressive strength of 40 MPa was used. The bond behavior of steel and BFRP bar was evaluated using the direct in situ pullout test. The paper investigates the effects of various parameters on bonding strength including embedment length, BFRP rebar diameter and effect of recycled aggregate concrete. The results show that sand-coated BFRP bars have adequate resistance to pullout.

Keywords: Basalt FRP, Bond strength, Embedment depth, Recycled aggregate concrete