Abstract
Fusion-bonded epoxy-coated reinforcement (FBECR) has been development to help combat problems of corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. The surface texture of the coating is smoother than the normal mill scale surface of reinforcement, and it alters the bond characteristics of the bar. This paper reports results from an experimental study into the effect of the changed bond properties on the cracking and deflection of reinforced concrete beams. Crack width in beams reinforced with FBECR was found to be greater than that in similar beams reinforced with ordinary ribbed bars. The extent of the difference depended on a number of factors including cover, bar diameter and reinforcement percentages. Increases of up to 100% were measured. The increase in attributable to an increase in spacing of cracks stiffening contribution of concrete. Existing methods of crack width calculation are shown to predict changes in crack development with satisfactory accuracy, and proposals are developed for the incorporation of findings into the relevant codes of practice for structural design.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 61-74 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Proceedings of the ICE - Structures and Buildings |
| Volume | 104 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 1994 |