Potential advantages of basalt FRP bars compared to carbon FRP bars & conventional steel

ABSTRACT In this study an attempt is taken to evaluate the performance of basalt FRP bars compared with carbon FRP bars and conventional steel bars. Specimens of reinforced concrete will be casted to fulfil this comparison. These beams will comprise a common top reinforcement, stirrups spacing, and concrete properties. The difference is in the bottom reinforcement where it was once steel, Carbon FRP, Basalt FRP, and a hybrid of Basalt FRP and steel. These beams were tested for their behaviour under a flexural load through a four-point bending test. The remaining specimens were casted as columns with common stirrups spacing, and concrete properties. The behaviour of Basalt FRP, Carbon FRP, and steel reinforcement will be tested upon the application of an axial compressive load. The bonding strength between concrete and the different candidate bars is tested through the bond pull-out test. Furthermore, tests will be conducted on the thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties of the individual bars. This study is expected to yield an evaluation of the main characteristics of the newly developed Basalt FRP bars and an identification of the key differences and limitations of using BFRP in concrete structures in relation to CRFP and traditional steel reinforcement of concrete structure.