The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has introduced the very first complete constructing code on the use of nonmetallic, glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars in structural concrete applications, which builds on an previously steel reinforcement code and offers an option to the reinforcement’s applications.
The name of the code is ACI CODE-440.11-22: Building Code Demands for Structural Concrete Strengthened with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars. It was designed via the function of ACI Committee 440, by a consensus system accepted by the American Countrywide Benchmarks Institute (ANSI). It addresses structural techniques, users, and connections, which includes forged-in-position, precast, non-prestressed, and composite development.
GFRP reinforcement has been in use for decades as an option to metal reinforcement due to the fact of its non-corrosive, non-magnetic, and light-weight qualities. This code represents a milestone for this technologies, and mirrors ACI 318-19 with provisions for building GFRP reinforced concrete beams, a person-way and two-way slabs, columns, partitions, connections, and foundations. Other model codes and benchmarks can straight reference ACI CODE-440.11-22 for a common and accountable use of this critical technological innovation.
“What truly sets this code aside is that it is dependent on ACI 318-19,” says Will Gold, previous chair, ACI Committee 440. “With this new code, just about any structural element lined by ACI 318 can be created working with GFRP reinforcement as an alternative of metal reinforcement. A good offer of new analysis and validation was demanded for the code to address aspects, this sort of as connections and columns. The hard function and endeavours of lots of ACI Committee 440 users built progress of this new code possible, and it represents a incredible accomplishment by the committee.”
ACI Committee 440’s mission is to create and report information on fiber bolstered polymer for interior and exterior reinforcement of concrete. Committee 440 has penned and maintains quite a few design and style guides, resources, and construction requirements, studies, and complex notes on the use of FRP in structural concrete programs.
