Structural analysis of FRP reinforced polymer concrete material

The paper deals with a study of precast elements made of polyester polymer concrete (PPC) reinforced with glass fibre rebars (GFRP). The paper describes the properties of the materials, which were tested on a microscopic scale using different experimental techniques such as porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy and petrography. Likewise, characterisation in a macro-scale was carried out to define the mechanical properties of the material (modulus of elasticity, stress-strain curve, ultimate strength and bond). Based on the latter properties, a relatively simple method is presented to estimate the ultimate bearing capacity of beams under bending load. The calculation method has been verified by testing beams and full-scale elements. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.