Analysis of the Crack Propagation Process in Concrete Beams Reinforced with BFRP Bars Using Digital Image Correlation Method

Application of the DIC (Digital Image Correlation) method for the analysis of crack initiation and propagation in RC beams reinforced by BFRP bars (Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymer) is presented in the paper. Two dimensional, single camera DIC system was used to observe strain and crack distribution in such RC beams loaded using four point bending setup. BFRP bars have arose as an alternative to steel bars for RC (Reinforcement Concrete) members in aggressive environments. The low modulus of elasticity of BFRP bars lead on to large crack widths and, as a result, the design of BFRP Reinforced Concrete beams is often governed by SLS (Serviceability Limit State) criterion. Due to this it is necessary to explore specific crack propagation in concrete beams. Process of such beams degradation can be identified by comparison of strains and displacements obtained by DIC method, with the database of experiment results.