Behavior of High Strength Concrete Deep Beams Reinforced with Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars with and without Openings

This study investigated the impact of using Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) bars with different percentages as a substitute for steel reinforcement in tensile longitudinal zones, particularly for coastal buildings. BFRP was selected because of its superior corrosion resistance, particularly in coastal areas with high chemical exposure. The experimental program examined six deep-beam specimens measuring 150 mm, 500 mm, and 1500 mm in width, depth, and length, respectively. Four of the deep beam specimens were classified as Group I, whereas the remaining two specimens were classified as Group II and featured openings. One control deep beam specimen from each group was reinforced with steel. Group I specimens were reinforced with 2 T 10, 2 T 12, and 4 T 12 BFRP bars. Group II specimens were reinforced with 2 T 12 BFRP bars. The mid-span deflection, failure load, and strains of both the longitudinal and transverse bars were monitored and recorded for all examined deep beams. Compared with the control specimen DBC1–2T12-Steel, the carrying load capacity for specimens reinforced with 2 T 10, 2 T 12, and 4 T 12 BFRP increased by 14 %, 29 %, and 41 %, respectively. Consequently, the displacement ductility of these specimens decreased by 15 %, 31 %, and 32 %, respectively, compared with the control specimen for Group I. For Group II, which consisted of a deep beam with an opening, the specimen reinforced with 2T12 BFRP bars demonstrated a 34 % improvement in the failure load and a 20.3 % increase in displacement ductility compared with the control specimen for Group II. Nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) using ANSYS 19 was employed to simulate the behavior of the deep beams. The NLFEA results matched the experimental data well, providing insights into the crack paths, failure loads, and stress intensities.