Structural Behavior of Hollow Rubberized Ferrocement Beams Reinforced with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Abstract

This study investigates the Structural behavior of hollow rubberized ferrocement beams reinforced solely with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars. The experimental program involved six full-scale beams tested under two-point bending to evaluate the influence of reinforcement quantity and mesh layers on structural performance. Results indicated that increasing the number of GFRP bars and mesh layers enhanced the first cracking load by 147.1% and the ultimate capacity by 72.6%, while simultaneously reducing ultimate deflection by 27.3%. Beams reinforced with additional mesh layers also exhibited improved crack resistance and stiffness. All GFRP-reinforced beams demonstrated a brittle failure mode, consistent with the inherent characteristics of GFRP. The hollow-core design reduced beam self-weight by approximately 40% compared to conventional solid beams, demonstrating potential benefits in lightweight construction. Overall, the findings highlight both the promise and limitations of GFRP reinforcement, emphasizing the need for further research to improve ductility and serviceability in structural applications.