Development of Narrow Concrete Beam Reinforced with BFRP Rebar

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Many buildings in Canada are built using concrete beams and columns as primary load-bearing members. These beams and columns are built using cement concrete and steel reinforcement bars known as steel rebars. Steel rebars are susceptible to corrosion and thus, many reinforced concrete buildings develop cracks leading to safety concerns. This NSERC research project will develop a narrow concrete beam that fits well with prefabricated insulated light-gauge steel wall panels and supports the load safely. These prefabricated wall panels are only 6 in. (150 mm) wide which are required to be used to move towards the implementation of modular construction method which is a fast, economical, and green approach for constructing buildings. Steel rebars cannot be used for making such narrow beams since about 50% of the beam's width or 3 in. (75 mm) will have to be spared as the protecting corrosion cover for the steel rebars. A possible solution to this problem is to use non-corrosive rebars. Hence, this research will develop a new technology for designing and constructing narrow concrete beams using basalt fiber made rebars called BFRP rebars which are corrosion resistant and hence, do not need any protecting concrete cover. BFRP rebars are also stronger, lighter, and are green materials. These rebars are made from a volcanic rock called Basalt. Development of this new concrete beam design and construction technology will allow the industry partner, Bear Construction and Engineering Inc. to adopt the modular construction method and BFRP rebars in future building projects. The other industry partner, MEDA Engineering & Technical Services will also be able to use the new technology in future buildings and other infrastructure project designs. MEDA is also the sole distributor of BFRP rebars and hence, this partner is expected to see a growth in the sale of BFRP rebars. Thus, with the completion of this research project, both partner organizations will gain a competitive edge allowing them to grow their businesses faster and creating new jobs in Canada. The implementation of the modular construction method will also help the environment by reducing waste.