Quasi-static and dynamic mechanical elastic moduli of alkaline aged pultruded fibre reinforced polymer composite rebar

Due to the increased use of glass fibre reinforced polymer composite (GFRP) rebar in concrete structures, the durability performance of GFRP rebar has been an important research topic in recent years. This paper presents elastic modulus of alkaline environment (pH ≈ 13) aged pultruded GFRP rebar as evaluated by three different methods, namely, quasi-static tensile, quasi-static flexural and dynamic mechanical thermal tests. It was found that elastic modulus of the GFRP rebar samples did not change significantly due to exposure in alkaline environment at 60 °C for 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 14 months when compared with that of control sample. Elastic modulus was found to be in the range of 52.5–56.5 GPa irrespective to testing methods and ageing time. In addition, it was estimated from the long time projected results that quasi-static tensile, quasi-static flexural and dynamic mechanical moduli will be retained by about 93%, 95% and 85%, respectively, after 100 years in alkaline environment at 60 °C. Microscopic analysis indicated that quasi-static tensile and flexural failure was mainly due to matrix cracking and shear failure of fibre/matrix interface.

► Evaluation of elastic modulus of GFRP rebar by three different techniques. ► GFRP rebar was alkaline aged up to 14 months at 60 °C. ► Elastic modulus of GFRP did not change significantly due to alkaline ageing. ► Quasi-static and dynamic mechanical moduli were found to be very similar. ► Polymer matrix brittleness was increased due to long term alkaline ageing.