Effect of BFRP Grid on Crack Propagation of Reinforced Concrete Beam with Thick-Cover Concrete

For the purpose of solving the problem of large crack width in concrete beam with thick cover, BFRP grid is added to the concrete cover to control the crack development and to improve the distribution status of cracks. In this paper, the bending tests under four-point loading are adopted to investigate cracking properties of reinforced concrete beams with thick cover, in which BFRP grid is added. During test cracking load, crack width and the number of crack were recorded, which will be analysed later. Test results show that crack development of reinforced concrete beam with thick cover can be effectively controlled, and the number of cracks was increased appearing tiny and dense cracks in structure, meanwhile maximum crack width was decreased, which can meet the requirements of engineering for crack control. In addition, BFRP grid has no effect on the cracking load of the structure and can slightly increase the ultimate bearing capacity.