Development of Astm Test Methods for Frp Composite Materials: Overview and Transverse Shear

Recent efforts in the United States have led to the standardization of test methods for FRP composites for reinforcing and repairing concrete. These efforts are transitioning standards, originally published by the American Concrete Institute (Committee 440K), as ASTM standards under ASTM Committee D30, Composite Materials. One of the methods recently published involves the transverse shearing of FRP rods. FRP rods come under shear loading as represented by this test, when crossing an inadvertent or intentional transverse cracks, such as when they are used as dowels in concrete pavements or as shear reinforcements in cracked wood timbers. This paper will briefly review the six test methods that have been published under ASTM D30. The paper reviews the recently published ASTM test method on transverse shear, which has been developed using a modular fixture to allow for shearing of smooth and deformed bars with a diameter of 10 mm (#3) to 32 mm (#10). The paper provides test results on commercial rebar produced in North America.