Basalt FRP rods assessment as an alternative reinforcement for reinforced concrete

Abstract

[EN] The consequences of global warming are becoming increasingly disastrous. Nowadays, our society has the responsibility of reducing the energy consumed in the building sector. In order to reduce this 40% of emissions, applying sustainable development criteria is fundamental throughout the life of materials in construction. More specifically, the use of steel corrugated bars or rods as reinforcement is the most widely used product in concrete reinforcement, and it is therefore important to reduce its climate impact. Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) is a promising alternative to replace these steel reinforcements due to its high strength, low weight and high durability capabilities.This work compares different rebars in sustainable terms in an initial phase. Four different materials are studied: steel, stainless steel, glass FRP and basalt FRP. To check and verify the different geometrical and mechanical properties, four rods of each material are tested in the laboratory. Finally, an analysis and comparison of various sustainability aspects is carried out. The aim of this research is to find out which reinforcing bar is the most sustainable and whether the basalt FRP rod is as optimal as it promises to be.