Yes / The flexural performance of geopolymer concrete (GPC) T-beams reinforced longitudinally with GFRP bars under a four-point static bending test was investigated. Six full-scale simply supported T-beams were cast and tested; one control specimen was made with ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC), while the other five beams were made of geopolymer concrete. The G-GPC2 was designed to attain the same theoretical moment capacity as the G-OPCC6 control beam. The main parameters investigated were the reinforcement ratio of ρ_f/ρ_b= 0.75, 1.05, 1.12, 1.34 and 1.34 for G-GPC1, G-GPC2, G-GPC3, G-GPC4, and G-GPC5, respectively, and compressive strength of geopolymer concrete. Based on the results of the experiments, the ultimate strain of GPC did not show the same behaviour as that of OPCC, which affects the mode of failure. The beam capacity and deflection were, respectively, overestimated and underestimated using the ACI 440 2R-17 predictive equations.

Yes / This paper presents the experimental results of five large-scale hybrid glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP)-steel reinforced concrete continuous beams compared with two concrete continuous beams reinforced with either steel or GFRP bars as reference beams. In addition, two simply supported concrete beams reinforced with hybrid GFRP/steel were tested. The amount of longitudinal GFRP, steel reinforcements and area of steel bars to GFRP bars were the main investigated parameter in this study. The experimental results showed that increasing the GFRP reinforcement ratio simultaneously at the sagging and hogging zones resulted in an increase in the load capacity, however, less ductile behaviour. On the other hand, increasing the steel reinforcement ratio at critical sections resulted in more ductile behaviour, however, less load capacity increase after yielding of steel. The test results were compared with code equations and available theoretical models for predicting the beam load capacity and load-deflection response. It was concluded that Yoon's model reasonably predicted the deflection of the hybrid beams tested, whereas, the ACI.440.1R-15 equation underestimated the hybrid beam deflections. It was also shown that the load capacity prediction for hybrid reinforced concrete continuous beams based on a collapse mechanism with plastic hinges at mid-span and central support sections was reasonably close to the experimental failure load. / Higher Education of Libya (972/2007).

The Construction sector is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. During 2020 the sector was responsible for 20% out of Sweden's total emitted greenhouse gases. The choice of construction materials is one of the key factors that decides a building’s or facility’s carbon footprint. The purpose of this paper is to research if Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) can be a viable option to conventional steel reinforcement. The aim of this work is to find an answer to the following question “What is it that prevents us in Sweden from using FRP reinforcement in concrete?”. We have carried out calculations on a simple reinforced Concrete Beam and a reinforced concrete wall with different rebars (steel and FRP) according to Eurocode to assess the reliability of using FRP in concrete. The part of the study where carbon footprint is analyzed derives from two Environmental Product Declarations (EPD). The product Combar is one type of fiber reinforced polymer and represents FRP in this study. The steel reinforcement is represented by K500C-T. Results indicate that Combar can be a good alternative to steel with the right circumstances. The lack of standard and high carbon footprint are the two main factors which limits the use of FRP at the moment.During 2023 the goal for the European Commission for standardization is to release updated standards that include a calculation process for FRP. With the upcoming release of the new standard, our thesis is that FRP will get a wider range of use in Sweden. This is because a new standard will help the industry to be more aware of the benefits of using FRP

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

yes / The results of testing two simply and three continuously supported concrete beams reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars are presented. The amount of GFRP reinforcement was the main parameter investigated. Over and under GFRP reinforcements were applied for the simply supported concrete beams. Three different GFRP reinforcement combinations of over and under reinforcement ratios were used for the top and bottom layers of the continuous concrete beams tested. A concrete continuous beam reinforced with steel bars was also tested for comparison purposes. The experimental results revealed that over-reinforcing the bottom layer of either the simply or continuously supported GFRP beams is a key factor in controlling the width and propagation of cracks, enhancing the load capacity, and reducing the deflection of such beams. Comparisons between experimental results and those obtained from simplified methods proposed by the ACI 440 Committee show that ACI 440.1R-06 equations can reasonably predict the load capacity and deflection of the simply and continuously supported GFRP reinforced concrete beams tested.

The quality of continuous fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite parts and structures depends strongly on the friction during the composite forming process. The two major types of friction that cause deformations during this process are ply-ply friction and tool-ply friction. One of the challenges in the composite forming process is the occurrence of wrinkling and shape distortion of the fabric caused by the surface differences between the forming tool and surface of the laminate. Frictional measurements of composites can vary widely depending on processing parameters, measurement technique, and instruments used. In this study, a commercial rheometer was used to evaluate tool-ply friction of unidirectional carbon fiber epoxy prepreg at various contact pressures, temperatures and sliding velocities. Viscoelastic properties such as the complex viscosity (η*), storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), and loss factor (tan δ) were used to determine the critical transition events (such as gelation) during cure. An understanding of changes in viscoelastic properties as a function of time, temperature, and cure provides insight for establishing a suitable processing range for compression forming of prepreg systems. Surface imaging results were coupled with rheological results to qualitatively examine the effects of processing parameters on prepreg distortions. Changes in gap height over the measurement interval qualitatively describe the changes in contact area and contact mechanisms between the tool-ply surfaces. The results indicate that friction behavior of the prepreg system is a contribution of adhesive and frictional forces, where increase in viscosity, reduction in gap height, and cure of the sample correlate to higher friction values. / Master of Science / The quality of composite parts and structures depends strongly on the friction present during the composite forming process. One of the major challenges in the forming process is the occurrence of wrinkling and shape distortions of the fabric caused by the surface differences between the forming tool and material. The presence of these defects can compromise the final material property and lead to failure when in use. Frictional measurements of composites can vary widely depending on processing parameters, measurement technique, and instruments used. The extent of interaction between the tool and surface of the material depends on the tooling height, and by extension, contact area, which cannot easily be monitored with traditional test designs. A commercial rheometer was used in this study to evaluate tool-ply friction of unidirectional carbon fiber epoxy prepreg at various contact pressures, temperatures, and sliding velocities. Gap height and torque were monitored to provide information on the frictional dependence of processing parameters. In addition, surface-imaging results were coupled with rheological results to examine the relationship between friction and fiber distortions. The understanding of changes in material property with respect to the tooling process is the key to optimizing the composite forming process.