Experimental and numerical study of the flexural behaviour of semi-precast slab reinforced with prestressed FRP bars

The performance of semi-precast slabs with prestressed basalt fibre-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars under load is explored in this paper, using both experiments and computer simulations. The semi-precast slabs consist of precast concrete panels and cast-in-situ layers. The Precast panels are reinforced with BFRP bars prestressed at varying levels from 0% to 50% of their ultimate tensile strength. The experimental programme encompasses four-point bending tests conducted on five semi-precast slabs. For the numerical study, an ABAQUS model was used to perform finite element (FE) analysis, which aimed to simulate how the semi-precast slabs bent and to study how different factors affected their bending performance. The study parameters in this study were the grade of concrete and the reinforcement ratio. The results of this study show that prestressed BFRP bars significantly enhance load capacity and stiffness, while steel offers superior ductility. The computer models and the experiments matched well, as the average error between the two sets of data was less than 10%. Additionally, the parametric study reveals that enhancing the concrete grade or the reinforcement ratio can effectively enhance the flexural capacity and stiffness of the semi-precast slabs. In conclusion, this paper advocates for the utilisation of prestressed BFRP bars as an efficient and long-lasting reinforcement solution for semi-precast concrete slabs.