Structural Performance of RC Beams Strengthened Using Prestressed Basalt FRP Bars

Abstract

Strengthening using FRP systems has been developed and introduced to structural society as a better alternative to the traditional strengthening systems owing to its light weight, high strength and stiffness to weight ratio, easy to be installed, and noncorrosive nature. However, the high price of carbon fibers and the low creep rupture stress of glass fibers limited their propagation worldwide. Nowadays, new type of fibers called “Basalt Fibers” are attracting the world interest due to its distinguishing properties compared to glass fibers and competing price compared to carbon fibers. Basalt fibers are manufactured from basalt rocks which is a natural material initiated from frozen volcanic lava. The simplicity of the manufacturing process results in its comparable price and gives it a priority over other types of FRP composites. Basalt fibers are considered a green natural fibers and environmentally friendly owing to saving energy in manufacturing process. BFRP composites offer magnificent properties compared to GFRP composites and superior strength compared to low carbon steel with a lower density. Based on the previously mentioned advantages of BFRP composites, it is expected that BFRP bars will be a strong competitor among other types of FRP composites. The great evolution in the strengthening and retrofitting field have arisen the importance of developing new techniques that could take as much advantages of the available high strength FRP bars. Accordingly, strengthening using FRP systems spreads widely in many places around the world and is no longer considered as a new strengthening technique. Nevertheless, the high