A study on Steel Rebars Replacement with GFRP Rebars in Costal Concrete Structure

Reinforced concrete structures are widely used in modern infrastructure due to their strength and durability. However, in coastal and aggressive environments, conventional steel reinforcement suffers from corrosion due to chloride attack, leading to deterioration, reduced service life, and increased maintenance cost. This study investigates the feasibility of replacing conventional steel rebars with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars in coastal concrete structures. The research focuses on comparing the mechanical behavior, durability, and structural performance of steel and GFRP reinforced concrete specimens under simulated marine conditions. Experimental investigations were carried out on concrete cubes and beams to evaluate compressive strength, flexural strength, and durability characteristics. The results indicate that compressive strength is not significantly affected by the type of reinforcement, while GFRP rebars exhibit comparable flexural strength but higher deflection due to lower modulus of elasticity. However, GFRP demonstrates superior corrosion resistance and long-term durability compared to steel.