scope:

This document provides recommendations for the design and construction of FRP reinforced concrete structures as an emerging technology. The document only addresses nonprestressed FRP reinforcement. The basis for this document is the knowledge gained from worldwide experimental research, analytical work, and field applications of FRP reinforcement. The recommendations in this document are intended to be conservative. Areas where further research is needed are highlighted in this document and compiled in Appendix B.

Design recommendations are based on the current knowledge and intended to supplement existing codes and guidelines for reinforced concrete structures and provide engineers and building officials with assistance in the specification, design, and construction of concrete reinforced with FRP bars.

In North America, comprehensive test methods and material specifications to support design and construction guidelines have not yet been approved by the organizations of competence. As an example, Appendix A reports a proposed test method for the case of tensile characterization of FRP bars. The users of this guide are therefore directed to test methods proposed in other countries (JSCE 1997b) or procedures used by researchers as reported/cited in the literature (ACI 440R; Iyer and Sen 1991; JSCE 1992; Neale and Labossiere 1992; White 1992; Nanni 1993a; Nanni and Dolan 1993; Taerwe 1995; El-Badry 1996; JSCE 1997a; Benmokrane and Rahman 1998; and Saadatmanesh and Ehsani 1998; Dolan, Rizkalla, and Nanni 1999).

Guidance on the use of FRP reinforcement in combination with steel reinforcement is not given in this document.