To the design of the deflections of flexural concrete members reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer bars

Introduction. Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) reinforcement has a relatively low modulus of elasticity compared to steel. In this connection, the bent members with such reinforcement have a higher deformability. The stress-strain diagram for FRP under short-term loading is almost straight and does not have a yield line, as in steel reinforcement. At the same time, modern methods of calculating structures with for FRP reinforcement are based on existing approaches for reinforced concrete structures. In this regard, the current direction for study is to assess the reliability and improve the existing methods for calculating members with FRP reinforcement for the serviceability limit states. Materials and methods. Experimental studies were carried with regard for and in compliance with the provisions of National State Standard 8829-94. Tested samples represented concrete beams that were 1,810 mm long and had a cross section of 120 × 220 mm. Their tensile side was reinforced with two bars. Steel, glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) and basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars were used to reinforce the beams. The value of the reinforcement ratio varied. Deflections calculation methods, applied according to Construction rules and regulations 295.1325800.2017 (Russia) and ACI 440.1R-06 (USA) were analyzed. Results. The results of the theoretical and experimental studies of the deformability of flexural members having FRP reinforcement are obtained. The inaccurate determination of the cracking moment Mcrc has a negative impact on the results of the deflection calculation. The deviation of the theoretical values of the cracking moment according to the method of Construction rules and regulations 295.1325800.2017 from the experimental ones is 26.2–59.1 %, in the method of ACI 440.1 R-06 — 20.1–57.1 %. For the ACI 440.1 R-06 method, the calculation is more accurate, in which the short-term deflection was multiplied by the factor λ = 0,6ξ = 0,6 · 2 = 1,2, for the Construction rules and regulations 295.1325800.2017 method — when using ψf = 1 – 0,8Mcrc / M. Conclusions. The results obtained showed the need to improve the considered calculation methods. To increase the accuracy of the calculation of deflections according to the method of SP 295.1325800.2017, at the first stage, it is possible to approximate the theoretical values of the cracking moment to the experimental data by introducing correction factor in the equation according to the calculation of Mcrc: for beams with a GFRP high-bond bars — 0.7, for BFRP with a sanded surface — 0.5.