Durability of non-metallic reinforcing bars and prestressing tendons

Abstract

Due to their unique properties, fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs) can provide a possible alternative to steel because of their high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent resistance to electrochemical corrosion. Accelerated exposure tests to simulated field conditions were conducted on eleven different commercially available FRP rebars and tendons. In addition, long-term relaxation losses and fatigue characteristics of two carbon and one aramid FRP tendons were also examined. Test results showed durability problems associated with E-glass and AR-glass FRP rebars, and excellent durability exhibited by the carbon and aramid based tendons. Relaxation losses were higher in solutions than in air and they were limited to 12% for carbon and 18% for aramid tendons. Excellent fatigue characteristics were exhibited by carbon and aramid tendons up to stresses corresponding to 60% of their ultimate strength and stress range up to 10% of ultimate strength.