| dc.description.abstract | Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites have been frequently used in engineering applications in
recent years. GFRP composites produced by using glass fiber and epoxy resin have significant advantages
such as high strength, lightness, and resistance against corrosion. However, GFRP composites exhibit a more
brittle behavior than steel bars. This study aims to investigate both the experimental and numerical bending
behavior of slabs with GFRP bars, steel bars, and polypropylene fiber. Within the scope of experimental
studies, 5 slabs were built. Two slabs called SS-1 and SS-2 have only steel bars. Two slabs called GFRPS-1
and GFRPS-2 have only GFRP composite bars. A slab called GFRPS-F has both GFRP composite bars and
polypropylene fibers. Polypropylene fibers are added to fresh concrete to improve the slab’s ductility. Three-
point bending tests have been carried out on the slabs. All slabs are subjected to monotonic increasing
distributed loading until collapse. As a result of tests, GFRPS slabs have carried %53 higher load than SS
slabs. However, the SS slabs have exhibited a more ductile behavior compared to the GFRPS slabs. GFRPS
slabs have more and larger crack width than other slabs. The addition of 5% polypropylene fiber by volume
to concrete has a significant contributed to ductility and tensile behavior of slab. The average displacement
value of GFRPS-F slab is 22.3% larger than GFRPS slab. GFRPS-F slab has better energy consumption
capacity than other slabs. The energy consumption capacity of GFRPS-F slab is 1.34 and 1.38 times that of
SS and GFRPS slabs, respectively. The number of cracks in GFRPS-F slab is fewer than GFRPS slabs. The
fibers have contributed to the serviceability of the GFRPS slabs by limiting the displacement and the crack
width. GFRPS-F exhibits elastoplastic behavior and almost returns to its first position when the loading is
stopped. In addition, experimental results are verified with numerical results obtained by using Abaqus
software. Finally, it is concluded that GFRP composite bars can be safely used in field concretes, concrete
roads, prefabricated panel walls, and slabs. | |
