Validation and Parametric Study of Shear Behavior in Continuous Deep Beams Reinforced with Steel, GFRP Bars, and Gratings

This study investigates the use of commercially manufactured Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) gratings as internal shear reinforcement in continuous reinforced concrete deep beams through detailed finite element analysis (FEA). The numerical model developed using ANSYS is thoroughly verified against experimental load–deflection results obtained from six full-scale deep beam specimens, demonstrating very good agreement and confirming the accuracy and reliability of the structural response predictions. Following this verification phase, a comprehensive parametric study is conducted to explore the effects of grating size and orientation on the load–deflection behavior, stiffness, and overall structural performance of deep beams through additional numerical simulations. The results demonstrate the significant potential of GFRP gratings to enhance shear capacity and improve beam stiffness in continuous deep beams. The study confirms that optimizing both the size and orientation of gratings - particularly through perpendicular alignment and increased rib density - provides an effective alternative to traditional steel stirrups for shear reinforcement. These findings offer valuable guidance for structural design optimization and encourage further research into advanced composite reinforcement systems for reinforced concrete structures aimed at achieving greater efficiency and sustainability.