On assessment of cracking of concrete beams reinforced with BFRP bars

This paper presents a comparative analysis of experimental and theoretical crack widths of simply supported beams reinforced with BFRP rebar (Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymers). The tested BFRC model beams have been made of concrete class C30/37 and of bottom flexural basalt bars 8 mm in diameter. The reference RC beams with traditional flexural steel reinforcement have been additionally made of the same diameter. Beam deflections, concrete crack widths and strength capacity of beams reinforced with BFRP bars as well as with traditional steel bars have been registered. It has been shown that crack widths of beams reinforced with BFRP bars have been much (three to four times) higher than in the beams reinforced traditionally.