Characteristics and Performance Evaluation Methods of Continuous Fiber Bars—State of the Art Studies on Fire Properties and Durability of Continuous Fiber Reinforced Concrete in Japan

Abstract

In Japan, continuous fiber bars are not allowed to replace reinforcing steel and prestressing steel for load-bearing members, mainly because: (1) Fibers and binders forming continuous fiber bars are made of combustible materials, for which the permissible temperature in case of fire is unknown. Also, these reinforcements are difficult to evaluate by the fire test methods currently practiced in Japan (2) Safety factors according to members and durability, which are necessary for determining the design strength of continuous fiber bars, are not known, and no performance evaluation methods have been established. The Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ), Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) and other institutions proposed about ten test methods for evaluating continuous fiber bars. However, the deteriorating external forces are not known yet in regard to durability, and few reports have been made regarding fire resistance. This paper reports on the commercial use of continuous fiber bars for load-bearing members related to performance evaluation methods and standards on the basis of the proposed standard test methods and state-of-the-art technology on their durability and fire resistance.