Abstract- Reinforced concrete structures are widely used in infrastructure development due to their strength and durability. However, corrosion of steel reinforcement in aggressive environments such as coastal regions significantly reduces the service life of structures and increases maintenance costs. In recent years, Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional steel reinforcement due to their non-corrosive nature, high tensile strength, and lightweight properties. This review paper presents a comprehensive study of 20 research works focusing on the replacement of steel rebars with GFRP in concrete structures. The paper evaluates mechanical performance, durability, bond behavior, sustainability, and field applications of GFRP reinforcement. It is observed that GFRP rebars provide superior corrosion resistance and durability, although they exhibit lower stiffness and brittle behavior compared to steel. The study also identifies key research gaps related to long-term performance, design standards, and ductility improvement. The findings suggest that GFRP is a suitable alternative for coastal and aggressive environments, and further research is required to enhance its structural performance and practical implementation.
Bhende et al. (Tue,) studied this question.