The Flexural Performance of BFRP-Reinforced UHPC Beams Compared to Steel and GFRP-Reinforced Beams

The performance of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) reinforced with BFRP bars was investigated in this research study. To achieve the objectives of this study, a total of six UHPC beams were cast and tested for flexure, under displacement-controlled loading conditions. The performance of BFRP-reinforced beams was compared against GFRP and steel reinforced beams. All beams had a cross-section of 185 mm x 250 mm, and a total length of 2200 mm. The experimental results were presented and discussed in terms of cracking moments, cracking patterns, failure modes, flexural capacity, midspan deflection, as well as strains in concrete and reinforcement. Results showed that UHPC enhanced the flexural performance of BFRP-reinforced beams in terms of moment capacity, deflection response and cracking patterns. The experimental results were complimented with analytical results that were calculated using the ACI 440 and CAN/CSA S806 code provisions. It was found that moment predictions using relevant ACI equations are acceptable for under-reinforced beams, but were slightly unconservative for the over-reinforced beams.