Experimental and theoretical analysis of deflections of concrete beams reinforced with basalt rebar

This paper presents a comparative analysis of experimental and theoretical deflections of simply supported beams reinforced with BFRP rebar (Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymers). The tested BFRC model beams have been made of concrete class C30/37 and reinforced with flexural basalt bars of 8 mm in diameter with the characteristic identified in strength tests in tension. During the investigation of model beams there were registered beam deflection, concrete strains and width cracks, as well as critical forces. It has been shown that much lesser cross-sectional stiffness of basalt BFRP bars produces higher deflections and crack widths compared to the beams reinforced with steel bars of the same cross-section. The results of theoretical analysis of BFRC beam deflections on the basis of the known formulas showed some significant discrepancies compared to experimentally obtained deflections, especially for lower level of loading forces. The results clearly show that basalt rebar having full resistance against corrosion may be good alternative for the reinforcement of concrete structures, like RC bridge girders subjected to environmental attack.