A study of basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) rebar as a replacement of steel rebar in concrete

The concept of externally reinforcing damaged reinforced concrete members to restore their strength is well known today. Depending on the severity of the damage, the component is externally modified using methods such as cross-sectional enlargement, external panel bonding, external prestressing, casting, and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. This article describes his FRP composite technique using adhesive to apply his FRP composites in fabric/tape form to defective structural members like cracks. Apart from retrofitting, this process can also be used to add strength or increase the load-bearing capacity of an element without increasing the section size. Fabrics made from carbon, glass, and basalt fibers are used for external reinforcement. Each gives different results depending on their properties, the size and type of load-carrying capacity, the type and shape of the textile fabric used, and the different winding methods. To this end, in this study, a four-point load system was tested based on load-bearing reinforced concrete beams wrapped with glass fiber composite fabrics of various patterns. The focus of the article is on basalt fiber fabric and whether it is a better choice as a retrofitting material than others.