Flexural behaviour of concrete beams reinforced with fiberglass geogrid

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Canada
² VP Global Business Development & CTO Geosynthetics, Titan Environmental Containment Ltd, Canada

^* Corresponding author: mohamed.shokr@mail.mcgill.ca

Abstract

In cold regions, especially within Canada, the degradation of non-structural concrete components in challenging environmental conditions has become a pressing issue. Traditional steel reinforcements are known to be susceptible to corrosion. With anticipated climate shifts causing variations in temperature, precipitation, and freeze-thaw cycles, there's an increasing need for more resilient reinforcement materials to deter premature cracking in non-structural concrete components. This study delves into the advantages of using low-ductility fibreglass geogrids as reinforcement layers to curb crack development and augment the flexural performance of plain concrete beams. Tests were carried out on nine concrete beams, each measuring 550×150×150 mm, with diverse reinforcement setups. The emphasis was on evaluating load-deflection characteristics, energy absorption capabilities, and modes of failure. Results suggest that lowductility fibreglass geogrid reinforcement markedly enhances the flexural strength of plain concrete, outperforming control beams. Additionally, fibreglass reinforcement showcases enhanced crack resistance and postcracking behaviour than plain beams. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was also executed using the Abaqus software, and its accuracy was confirmed through experimental data comparisons, yielding numerical figures for midspan deflection and peak load. This research furnishes pivotal insights into the prospective use of progressive reinforcement materials to combat environmental challenges in colder climates.