Behaviour of GFRP Reinforced Concrete Slab on Ground

Rayner, Andrew (2022) Behaviour of GFRP Reinforced Concrete Slab on Ground. [USQ Project]

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Abstract

Concrete replacement and repair costs the Australian economy an estimated $13 billion yearly. Therefore, a more sustainable and durable material is needed especially in coastal and marine environments. Glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) is becoming recognised as an alternative to steel reinforcement with its use overseas. However, Australian engineers and workers have limited knowledge on the handling and construction processes of GFRP-reinforced concrete structures. To develop more knowledge on GFRP this study covers the construction of the approach concrete slabs located at the Mooloolaba boat ramp. The construction involved two different sized reinforcing bars to allow for time and motion analysis. Two slabs were constructed with D24 bars spaced at 300 mm centres each way and two slabs reinforced with D16 bars spaced at 150 mm centres. On-site loading and performance tests were then conducted to provide knowledge on how the on-ground concrete slab performs also allowing validation of a finite element model. Results from the time and motion investigation are highly dependent on the skill level of the workers. This is shown as the efficiency level of the inexperienced workers range from 33-55% when compared to the skilled experienced workers. The D24 and D16 reinforcement required 190.7 and 309.9 worker minutes respectively, therefore indicating that the D16 required 1.6 times longer to construct. Results from onsite loading indicate the largest deflection of 0.144 mm recorded with in the D16 reinforced approach slab (slab P2). P1 (D24 reinforcement) showed deflection of 0.121 mm, therefore showing ≈ 15% less deflection then P2. The finite element model developed in Strand7 software was able to derive the subgrade modulus of the supporting soil beneath the concrete slabs. The modulus of the subgrade beneath P1 was 93 000kN/m2 /m and 115 000 kN/m2 /m for P2. These values correspond to crushed stone with sand, as a 75 mm layer of crushed stone was used to stabilise the sandy subgrade. The parametric investigation discovered that the strength of subgrade modulus was the main variable when considering strain and deflection. The deflection and strain both decrease linearly as the subgrade modulus increases from 80 000 kN/m2 /m, therefore values under this are not recommended. Concluding with the larger spacings in slab P1 have shown to perform better when varying the material parameters, little to no change was seen in deflection while varying bar diameter. As concrete compressive strength increased, P1 showed slight improvement reducing deflection.


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Item Type: USQ Project
Item Status: Live Archive
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -)
Supervisors: Manalo, Allan; Alajarmeh, Omar
Qualification: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil)
Date Deposited: 19 Jun 2023 01:02
Last Modified: 20 Jun 2023 01:03
Uncontrolled Keywords: Glass fibre reinforced polymer; GFRP; steel reinforcement
URI: https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/51861

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