ABSTRACT
Abstract Prestressed concrete beams using carbon and aramid Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) rods as prestressing tendons, longitudinal reinforcements and transverse reinforcements were experimentally investigated. A total of 62 specimens subjected to pure torsion, combined bending and torsion were tested. Influence of the primary factors, such as effective prestress, the amounts of longitudinal reinforcement and transverse reinforcement, on the ultimate torsional moment of those beams are illustrated. The mechanical behaviors of prestressed concrete (PC) beams using FRP rods were compared with those using steel bars. Crack patterns, failure modes, ultimate torsional moments and the relations between torsional moment and angle of twist are described. Comparisons between experimental data and theoretical predictions are presented. Keywords: Aramid, Carbon, combined bending and torsion, fiber reinforced plastics, prestressed concrete, pure torsion, torsional stiffness.
