What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to assess the flexural performance of lightweight concrete slabs reinforced with GFRP and enhanced with polypropylene fibers.

April 12, 2026Open Access

Experimental, numerical, and analytical study on lightweight concrete slabs with GFRP reinforcement and polypropylene fibers

Key Points

This research aims to assess the flexural performance of lightweight concrete slabs reinforced with GFRP and enhanced with polypropylene fibers.
Conducted an experimental program with nine slabs to evaluate fiber content, aspect ratio, and reinforcement ratio.
Utilized nonlinear finite element analysis with ABAQUS alongside traditional analytical methods based on ECP and ACI codes.
Performed parametric analysis on slab thickness and reinforcement ratio.
GFRP reinforcement and polypropylene fibers significantly improved ultimate load, toughness, and crack control in slabs.
Flexural strength of solid slabs increased by 36.34% when utilizing lightweight concrete and GFRP bars.
Proposed design equations showed close alignment with existing code predictions.

Abstract

This study investigates the flexural performance of lightweight concrete (LWC) slabs reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and enhanced with polypropylene fibers (PPF). An experimental program involving nine slabs examined the effects of fiber content, aspect ratio, and reinforcement ratio. Nonlinear finite element analysis using ABAQUS and analytical methods based on ECP and ACI codes complemented the tests. Results show that GFRP reinforcement and PPF significantly improve ultimate load, toughness, and crack control, while parametric analysis confirms the influence of slab thickness and reinforcement ratio. Proposed design equations align closely with code predictions. The authors found that the solid slab's flexural strength increased by 36.34% when utilizing LWC and GFRP bars.

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