Ductility improvement of GFRP-RC beams using precast confined concrete block in compression zone

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) have received considerable research attention because of their high strength, corrosion resistance, and low weight. However, owing to the lack of ductility in this material and the quasi-brittle behavior of concrete, FRP-reinforced concrete (FRP-RC) beams, even with flexural failure, do not fail in a ductile manner. Because the limited deformation capacity of FRP-RC beams depends on the ductility of their compression zones, the present study proposes using a precast confined concrete block (PCCB) in the compression zone to improve the ductility of the beams. A control beam and four beams with different PCCBs were cast and tested under four-point bending conditions. The control beam failed due to shear, and the PCCBs exhibited different confinements and perforations. The goal was to find an appropriate PCCB for use in the compression zone of the beams, which not only improved the ductility but also changed the failure mode of the beams from shear to flexural. Among the employed blocks, a ductile PCCB with low equivalent compressive strength increased the ductility ratio of the beam to twice that of the control beam. The beam failed in pure flexure with considerable deformation capacity and without significant stiffness reduction.