International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 01 | Jan 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Comparative Experimental Study on Flexural behavior of RC beams Reinforced with GFRP and HYSD bars Sinchana swamy1, Dr. Kiran T2 1Student of Master in Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Major: Press tressed concrete Engineering,
University of Visveswaraya college of Engineering, Bangalore, Karnataka, India,
2Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Visveswaraya college of Engineering,
Bangalore, Karnataka, India, ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - corrosion of traditional steel reinforcement is a
salts. Corrosion induces cracking and spalling of concrete, degenerated bond strength, and ultimately resulting in loss of carrying capacity and life in structures.
major durability issue in RC structures, especially those subjected to severe environments. Application of FibberReinforced Polymer (FRP) systems, which investigate environment-friendly solutions with enhanced durability and tensile strength while maintaining a favourable strength-toweight ratio, has emerged as a major consideration. The flexural behaviour of standard HYSD steel-reinforced concrete beams and hybrid-metal beams consisting of HYSD steel longitudinal bars along with glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) stirrups was examined in this experimental investigation. An experimental program was created on four RC beam specimens tested under four-point bending. Of these, two beams were entirely reinforced with HYSD steel bars to be used as control specimens, while the last two beams were reinforced with main bars in HYSD steel and stirrups using GFRP. The four beams featured comparator specimens having the same dimensions, concrete grade, and longitudinal reinforcement to maintain consistency and reliability. Flexural response of specimens was evaluated in terms of loaddeflection behaviour, crack initiation and propagation, stiffness degradation, shear crack development, ultimate loadcarrying capacity. The results of the experiment showed that with the introduction of GFRP stirrups, cracking pattern in and post-cracking response were changed in RC beams resulting to better crack distribution and durability performance. However, it was observed that overall flexural strength of the beams depended much on the HYSD steel longitudinal reinforcement. This study proved that hybrid use of GFRP-stirrups may effectively replace normal steel stirrups in RC flexural members, without compromising the performance of structures.
Fibbers have emerged as an alternative material in replacing the conventional steel reinforcement. Among the various types of FRPs manufactured, the one that is commonly recognized is that of glass-shredded reinforced polymer bars. These GFRP types were chosen for their properties of corrosion resistance, very high tensile strength, nonmagnetic nature, and lightweight. Although there has been considerable research focusing on the behaviour of RC beams under GFRP longitudinal bars, the information on the structural behaviour of such beams with GFRP used as the transverse reinforcement is limited. Stirrups have some important functions concerning shear cracks, confinement, and ductility in RC beams. Replacing them with GFRP stirrups will certainly increase durability to a great extent due to the absence of corrosion in the shear reinforcement zone. The elastic and brittle behaviour of the GFRP requires an in-depth understanding of its influence on the crack, stiffness, and entire flexural output of the RC beams. Thus, this investigation aims to conduct an experimental study on the flexural behaviour of conventional reinforced concrete beams and hybrid reinforcement using conventional HYSD steel bars with GFRP stirrups. The comparative assessment made will be with respect to loaddeflection response, cracking characteristics, stiffness, and ultimate load carrying capacity to understand the applicability of GFRP stirrups in RC flexural members.
Keywords: GFRP bars; HYSD bars; Flexural behaviour; Reinforced concrete beams; Four-point bending
2. Materials Properties and Mix Proportions
1. INTRODUCTION
2.1 Material properties
Reinforced concrete is the most popular construction material. It has strength, versatility, and cost-effectiveness that are hard to beat. Traditionally, the use of high yield strength deformed (HYSD) steel bars in everything from longitudinal reinforcement to stirrups is concerning in RC members. The durability of such structures is affected by steel corrosion resulting from aggressive environments, such as coastal regions, industrial zones, and exposure to de-icing
In this study, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) of 53 grades was used, and it meets IS 12269:2013. The reason for choosing OPC 53-grade cement was its property of being high in early strength and hence can be used for structural concrete applications. The cement used was fresh, free from lumps, and stored in dry conditions. Manufactured sand (Msand) was used as a fine aggregate. The M-sand was maintained clean, well-graded, and free from organic
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