Abstract
This paper reports on the North American state-of-the-art in the use
of FRP composites in concrete
structures. FRP bars have been used as the internal reinforcement
in concrete members to replace
conventional steel rebars for a host of reasons. The principles for
design and construction have been
established and proposed to industry by the American Concrete Institute
(ACI). The fundamental
principles are rooted in the steel-reinforced concrete practice with
modifications to account for the
physico-mechanical characteristics of FRP. Strengthening of concrete
members with externally bonded
FRP laminates or near surface mounted (NSM) bars has received remarkable
attention. The design and
construction principles for use in practice are being finalized by
ACI. On the application side, FRP
materials have been used in some multi-million dollar projects for
strengthening parking garages, multipurpose
convention centers, office buildings and silos. The drivers for this
technology are several, but
perhaps the most relevant one is the ease of installation. In the
repair/upgrade arena (as well as new
construction), perhaps one of the most important unresolved question
remains that of durability (including
fire resistance). Resolving these issues will increase the degree
of confidence in the technology and allow
for its more economical exploitation.
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