Shear Strength Prediction for Concrete Beams Reinforced with GFRP Bars

This study presents a shear strength prediction model for concrete beams reinforced with GFRP bars. An empirical equation is developed using multiple regression analysis from the experimental results of 16 RC beams with GFRP bars. The proposed equation involved the parameters that affected the shear strength of beams such as compressive concrete strength, shear span ratio, longitudinal reinforcement ratio and modulus elasticity of the reinforcement. The accuracy of the proposed equation was verified by predicting the available experimental data from the literature. Furthermore, the predictions of shear capacities were compared with the current shear design code of ACI 440.1R-06. As a result, the ACI 440 provides very conservative prediction, while a better prediction is obtained from the shear strength prediction model in the present study.