The flexural response of hybrid beams strengthened with fiber polymer rebars

Abstract The current study aimed to examine the value of applying the hybridization approach to study the flexural behavior of hybrid reinforced concrete beams including two different concrete types: normal strength concrete and reactive powder concrete. In addition, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer bars and glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars were bonded in the tension face of the hybrid RC beams utilizing the near-surface-mounted technique. Eight simply supported reinforced concrete beams were tested. The hybridization technique enhanced the flexural behavior and increased the first crack and ultimate loads. Furthermore, the hybrid beams are stiffer than that of a normal beam, and it became even stiffer as the reactive powder concrete layer thickness increased. The hybrid beams that were strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer bars displayed higher load capacity by about 20% more than those strengthened with glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars.