Influence of Granite Powder Waste on the Flexural and Microstructure Morphology Behaviors of Reinforced Concrete Beams With Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars

ABSTRACT This study presents an empirical investigation into the flexural characteristics of concrete beams that are reinforced with glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars, as well as concrete beams reinforced with traditional steel reinforcements with partial replacement of fine aggregate by granite powder. The study examines four full‐sized beams with dimensions of 100 mm × 150 mm × 1000 mm, which are reinforced with either steel or GFRP bars. The parameters tested comprise the type of tension reinforcement (steel reinforcement grade Fe 500 and GFRP bars) and granite powder substitution of 24% by weight of fine aggregate. Under a four‐point loading test, the research explores the flexural behavior, together with the relationship between load and deflection, flexural capacity, and mode of failure. The experimental investigation indicates that the first crack load increased by 2% for beams CBCP and 7.3% for GFRPCP; similarly, the percentage increase in load‐bearing capacity is 6.3% for GFRPCP with GFRP bars with 24% of granite powder substitution for fine aggregate. Similarly, the maximum deflection of reinforced concrete beams reinforced with GFRP bars with 24% granite powder is less when compared to those reinforced with steel bars. The numerical research conducted involved the creation of non‐linear finite element models for all the tested beams. A key innovation in this work lies in the combined utilization of non‐corrosive GFRP bars and granite waste, aiming to enhance both durability and sustainability. Under four‐point bending tests, beams reinforced with GFRP and granite powder exhibited improved load‐bearing capacity and reduced deflection compared to their steel‐reinforced counterparts. The study also develops and validates a non‐linear finite element model (FEM) using ANSYS, which shows strong agreement with experimental outcomes.