Arching action in FRP reinforced concrete slabs

The corrosion of reinforcement embedded in concrete has been the cause of major deterioration and of high costs in repair and maintenance. Fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) exhibit high durability in combination with high strength and light weight. The majority of research with FRP bars for reinforcing concrete has been on simply supported beams and slabs where the low value of elasticity of FRP has meant that the service behaviour has been critical. These differences have been attributed to the low value of elasticity of many FRPs compared to steel. However, laterally restrained slabs, such as those in bridge deck slabs, exhibit arching action or compressive membrane action (CMA) which has a beneficial influence on the service behaviour such as the deflection. This paper presents the results of tests on concrete slabs with both steel and GFRP reinforcement with varied end conditions. The aim of this preliminary research was to show that the benefits of CMA would provide a viable alternative to steel reinforcement, namely GFRP.