Cracking behavior of GFRP-reinforced concrete members subjected to pure tension

This paper discusses an experimental investigation on the cracking behavior and bond of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforcement with concrete. The experimental campaign involved 10 specimens with square cross-section of 150 mm x 150 mm and a length of 3000 mm, with 4000 mm long GFRP reinforcing bar embedded in the middle of the concrete tie cross-section. Starting from reference concrete ties, reinforced with conventional steel rebar with diameter equal to 16 mm, several GFRP bars with the same equivalent diameter and different surface coating (smooth, sanded and wrapped) were taken into account. Aim of the research was investigate the bond effect and the cracking pattern resulting from the application of pure tension load on the composite reinforcement and its transfer to the surrounding plain concrete. The obtained results have shown how the different surface coating affects the cracking behavior and the bond between the GFRP and the concrete.