ANALYSIS MODEL FOR HYBRID GFRP/STEEL-REINFORCED SHEAR WALLS

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Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars constitute a feasible alternative to steel in reinforced concrete (RC) structures in areas where environmental conditions may be adverse to steel reinforcement. Use of GFRP in other areas, however, has been limited due to the reduced capacity of GFRP to dissipate energy and provide ductility to structural systems. BP Composites, LTD. is a developer and manufacturer of GFRP reinforcing bars interested in expanding the applications of their product in areas with low-to-moderate seismicity or in structures that require significant energy dissipation (impact or vibration), in which currently GFRP reinforcement is not considered a feasible option. This study will show that innovative, hybrid GFRP/steel reinforced shear walls exhibit satisfactory desirable traits of conventional steel-reinforced walls such as acceptable energy dissipation and ductility, while at the same time exhibiting desirable advantages of using GFRP material. BP Composites will benefit from the analytical evidence generated in this study showing the advantages of hybrid GFRP/steel walls by allowing the company to include this type of innovative construction in its project/product portfolio.