Análise experimental do desempenho de vigas de concreto armado com vergalhões de aço e de fibra de vidro (GFRP)

Abstract

With the advancement of technology in civil construction, new materials have been studied as alternatives to traditional steel reinforcements, mainly aiming for greater durability and lower maintenance of reinforced concrete structures. Therefore, this study presents an experimental analysis of the behavior of reinforced concrete beams using two types of reinforcement: CA 50 steel and glass fiber rebars (GFRP). The research aims to evaluate whether GFRP can be a viable alternative to steel, considering strength, deformation, and durability. Six beams with identical dimensions were cast three reinforced with steel and three with GFRP and subjected to flexural tests. The results showed that GFRP reinforced beams exhibited greater deformation and early stage cracking, while steel-reinforced beams displayed more stable and ductile behavior. Despite this, GFRP beams achieved similar ultimate strength to steel beams, indicating satisfactory structural performance. Considering to the L/250 deformation criterion, the load applied to the GFRP-reinforced beam corresponded to 39.7% of that required for the steel reinforced beam to reach the same limit. Additionally, for a crack width of 3 mm, the GFRP beam required only 62.09% of the load applied to the steel beam. The results indicate that although GFRP offers advantages such as lightness, corrosion resistance, and good mechanical performance, its application in structural elements should be carefully evaluated.