Study on the flexural behaviour of CFRP-grid reinforced concrete one-way slabs

Because of many merits, such as high strength-to-weight ratio, fatigue resistance and especially anti-corrosion, the CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) becomes a good alternative to steel as the reinforcement in concrete components. This paper addresses the features and results of the FEM and experimental studies on the flexural behaviour of CFRP-grid reinforced concrete one-way slabs. For the FEM simulation analysis, series of CFRP-grid reinforced concrete one-way slabs with different beam depths and the steel counterparts were modelled in ABAQUS and their bending properties like load-displacement relationships, ultimate load capacities and crack behaviour were analysed and compared through numerical bending tests. For the verification experiment, the corresponding CFRP reinforced specimens were fabricated and the real bending tests were conducted on them. Both the FEM and experiment results show that the CFRP-grid reinforced concrete one-way slabs are superior in many aspects to their steel counterparts and their flexural performance can meet the requirement of the present construction industry.