FIBERGLASS BAR AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO STEEL BAR IN REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES

Abstract

Concrete is a material widely used in the world due to its range of qualities, such as ease of execution, low cost of materials, as it is in a fluid state and can vary in size and shape, among others. However, concrete has some weaknesses, such as low tensile strength compared to compression, vulnerability when subjected to bending, causing cracks. One of the solutions to minimize its weaknesses is the addition of steel bars, forming the reinforcement that, covered by concrete, results in reinforced concrete. This article aims to compare the characteristics of fiberglass bars in relation to conventional steel bars, in order to present their advantages and disadvantages in reinforced concrete structures. By carrying out the traction test in flexion and literature review, its properties such as modulus of elasticity and resistance to traction, rupture and corrosion were presented. Based on the results, we can say that although fiberglass bars have some advantages over conventional steel bars, their low ductility and the fact that they cannot be bent make their use unfeasible in reinforced concrete structures.