REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL MEMBERS WITH FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER BARS (FRP): THE NEW BRAZILIAN DESIGN CODE

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars have been successfully used in concrete structures during the last decades. The corrosion resistance of FRP reinforcement is an advantage for overcoming problems caused by steel corrosion, improving structures durability in aggressive environments. Design codes and technical guidelines adopted in several countries, such as USA, Canada, Japan, Italy, Russia, aim to establish appropriate requirements for the design of concrete structures reinforced with FRP bars. This work aims to present the bases and methodology adopted in the development of a new Brazilian design code addressed to reinforced concrete with FRP bars. Some of the proposed recommendations are presented, including aspects related to ultimate and serviceability limit states for beams. Topics such as calibration of safety factors, strategies for ductility and combined use of discrete fibers and FRP bars are also discussed. The proposed code will allow safe and rational use of the material in Brazil.