Deflection and crack analysis of single span concrete beams reinforced with basalt fiber reinforced polymer bars

The study investigated the deflection, cracking behaviour and load bearing capacity of single span concrete beams reinforced with basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars and steel-reinforced concrete beams with similar reinforcement ratios, under similar loading and support conditions.The experiment focused on key parameters, such as ultimate load-bearing capacity, midspan deflection, crack patterns and failure modes of the beam crosssection.Four beams (80 120 1100 mm) were tested-two reinforced with 6 mm steel bars and two with 6 mm BFRP bars.The test results revealed that the concrete beams reinforced with BFRP bars showed 35% higher load carrying capacity but also greater deflection and earlier cracking than steel reinforced concrete beams.Theoretical values were calculated based on different scholars' assumptions and compared with experimental results to validate performance.