Shear Behavior of Concrete Beams Prestressed with FRP Tendons

FRP reinforcements have excellent properties for use in concrete structures including high corrosion resistance and high tensile strength. However, they have some technical drawbacks, particularly their lack of ductility and low transverse strength. This study deals with an experimental investigation of the shear behavior of concrete beams prestressed with CFRP tendons. In the experimental program, the shear-tendon rupture failure mode was investigated in detail and experimentally confirmed. Shear tests showed that premature failure due to shear-tendon rupture is likely to occur in concrete beams prestressed with FRP tendons, resulting in reduced load carrying capacity. The premature failure is due to tendon rupture by dowel shear at the shear-cracking plane and is attributed to the brittle behavior and low transverse resistance of FRP tendons.