Concrete beams reinforced with prestressed basalt bars

Possible applications of basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) for intemal reinforcement of concrete beams are studied in this paper. The emphasis is on the study of the shear failure behaviour of beams without stirrups, reinforced longitudinally with prestressed basalt fiber bars. Results from both experimental study and finite element analysis of the mechanica! response of the beams are reported. As basalt rods provide much lower flexural rigidity than traditional steel reinforcement, pre-stressing should be used to keep displacements within acceptable levels. The use of pre-stressing cal Is for a study of relaxation of the prestressing force, as that phenomenon may eventually affect future serviceability and sustainability of the structure. BFRP tendons, fini te element simulation, prestressed concrete beams, FRP.