Effectiveness of flexural basalt reinforcement application in RC beam structures

Abstract

Basalt bars for concrete reinforcement called Basalt Fiber Reinforced Plastic (BFRP) is a new material, so it is necessary to identify the differences and limitations of their use in relation to traditional steel reinforcement. The paper presents some chosen results of research on the flexural behavior of model beams reinforced with BFRP bars, compared to the reference beams with steel reinforcement. The tested beams were made of C30/37 concrete and flexural reinforcement of basalt bars with 8 mm diameter. The tensile test of BFRP bars has been conducted and the analyses of the beam deformability and flexural capacity have been performed. The results show the different character of the load-deflection dependence of basalt reinforced beams compared to traditionally reinforced beams, as well as the significant influence of the type and quality of anchoring on the basalt bars crack process.