Experimental and analytical study of BFRP bar reinforced UHPC beams under static and impact loading

Abstract

This study investigates the static and dynamic behaviors of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP)-reinforced Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) beams under static and impact loading through experimental and analytical methods. Six beams, including BFRP-reinforced ordinary concrete and UHPC specimens, were tested to evaluate their load-deflection behavior, failure mechanisms, and impact resistance. Results show that UHPC significantly enhances the performance of BFRP-reinforced beams. Under static loading, the BFRP-reinforced UHPC beam achieved a 78 % higher peak load than its ordinary concrete counterpart. Under impact loading, UHPC beams exhibited up to 41 % lower mid-span deflections, demonstrating superior impact resistance. A theoretical model was developed to predict the static and dynamic responses of BFRP-reinforced UHPC beams. The model demonstrated high accuracy in capturing the load-deflection behavior under static loading, as well as the mid-span deflection-time histories and maximum support reactions under impact loading. However, discrepancies in the declining phase of support reactions indicate the need for further refinement to improve post-peak behavior predictions. The integration of UHPC and BFRP reinforcement presents a highly effective solution for designing impact-resistant structural components, particularly in aggressive environments such as coastal regions and critical infrastructure. Additionally, the proposed analytical framework serves as a reliable and practical tool for predicting beam performance under various loading scenarios, significantly reducing the reliance on extensive experimental testing.