Experimental bond behavior of hybrid rods for concrete reinforcement

Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) rods provide certain benefits over steel as concrete reinforcement, such as corrosion resistance, magnetic and electrical insulation, light weight, and high strength. FRP composites can be combined with a steel core to form hybrid reinforcing rods that take advantage of properties of both materials. The objective of this study was to characterize the bond behavior of hybrid FRP rods made with braided epoxy-impregnated aramid or poly-vinyl alcohol FRP skins. Eleven rod types were tested using mio concrete strengths. Specific topics examined were bond strength, slip, and type of failure in concentric pull-out tests from concrete cubes. From analysis of identical pullout tests on both hybrid and steel rods, information on relative bond strength and behavior were obtained. It is concluded that strength is similar but slip in hybrid rods is much higher. Hybrid rods failed either by pull-out or splitting the concrete block (with or without yielding of the steel core). Experimental data showed consistency with similar test results presented in the literature.