Full Description

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) have been proposed for use instead of steel prestressing tendons in concrete structures. The promise of FRP materials lies in their high-strength, lightweight, noncorrosive, nonconducting, and nonmagnetic properties. This document offers general information on the history and use of FRP for prestressing applications and a description of the material properties of FRP. The document focuses on the current state of design, development, and research needed to characterize and ensure the performance of FRP as prestressing reinforcement in concrete structures. The proposed guidelines are based on the knowledge gained from worldwide experimental research, analytical work, and field applications of FRPs used as prestressed reinforcement. The current development includes a basic understanding of flexure and axial prestressed members, FRP shear reinforcement, bond of FRP tendons, and unbonded or external FRP tendons for prestressing applications. The document concludes with a description of research needs.