Experimental and Finite Element Analysis of Pullout Test on GFRP Rebars

Abstract

Rebars with fiber glass reinforced polymer (GFRP) are a viable option in highly aggressive environments. They also make the structure lighter, more sustainable and have high corrosion resistance. In this article, an experimental program was carried out to verify the maximum pullout force, in addition to a numerical analysis and computational simulation. The finite element method was used for the computational simulation of concrete reinforced with GFRP. A constant tractive force was applied at the end of the rebar, from which the strain and maximum principal stresses were analyzed. The displacements and concrete-GFRP adhesion were verified through the Hertz contact theory and Coloumb friction theory, in the ABAQUS software. The results showed that the incorporation of epoxy resin had little influence on the pullout force. The experimental and numerical analysis showed an increase of about 20% in the pullout force of the GFRP bars, although this should not be the only limiting factor for the use of GFRP rebars in civil construction.