Browsing by Author "Bashbishi, Lamar"

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    Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Reinforced Concrete Corner Joints Subjected to Opening Moments
    (University of Waterloo, 2025-04-24) Bashbishi, Lamar
    Concrete corner joints are elements in structures that transfer forces between their adjoining members. In recent decades, glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) has been gaining popularity due to its corrosion resistance and light weight. However, its linear elastic properties and lack of practical bond slip theory make it challenging for engineers to properly detail GFRP reinforcement in corner joints. Previous studies on GFRP-reinforced concrete closing joints have been conducted at the University of Waterloo; however, no research has been conducted on GFRP-reinforced concrete opening joints. The experimental program presented in this thesis consists of eight full scale corner joint specimens which were subjected to monotonic opening moments. The specimens are divided into two groups based on their tensile rebar geometry within the cantilever slab: Type A specimens with straight tensile bars, and Type B specimens with hooked tensile bars. Within each group, the specimens were constructed with one of the following: a) an unreinforced joint panel, b) bent bars perpendicular to the inner corner, c) confining stirrups within the joint panel, or d) both bent bars and confining stirrups. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of each design choice on corner joint behaviour. Test results showed that increasing development length of GFRP using hooked bars reduced bond-slip and increased joint strength and deformability. When primary tensile cracks were constrained using bent bars or confining stirrups, the main influence of joint strength became the strength of the concrete. Joints that contained bent bars perpendicular to the inner corner exhibited more consistent post-peak responses and had higher joint deformability than their base specimens. Joints with confining stirrups saw reduced widths of shear cracks as well as reduced bond-slip of the bars they confined. Further studies on GFRP-reinforced concrete joints must be conducted, including the study of the effect of different bent bar areas and sizes, different member geometries, as well as different GFRP development lengths/anchorage methods.