Cracking analysis of fibre-reinforced polymer-reinforced concrete tension members

The paper is devoted to the analysis of crack evolution of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) reinforced concrete tension members and, as a consequence, their deformability in terms of load-elongation relationships. Such analysis permits the determination of tension stiffening effects. The stiffness of the reinforced tension members, in fact, can be evaluated and compared to rebars whilst the scatter gives a measure of the reduced deformability due to the contribution of the tensile concrete. Results of an experimental investigation, carried out on cylindrical concrete specimens in order to analyse the influence of geometrical properties on cracking and deformability of the members, are reported in the paper. Comparisons with results obtained from a theoretical analysis and from code relationships are also made, aiming to give useful information from a design point of view.