On strain measurement of smart GFRP bars with built-in fiber Bragg grating sensor

A smart glass fiber reinforced polymer (SMFRP) reinforcing bar with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor was fabricated using a pultrusion technique, while ribs were formed to improve bonding between concrete and SMFRP. Then, strain of SMFRP bars were measured for a uniaxial tension test of an SMFRP bar, and a four-point bending test of concrete beams reinforced with SMFRP bars. The results of a uniaxial tension test illustrate that the strain obtained from an FBG sensor agrees well with that obtained from electrical resistance strain gauge (ERSG). Additionally, concrete beams reinforced with SMFRP bars were fabricated, and actual flexural test were performed while the strain of with an FBG sensor was compared with that of ERSG. The experimental results demonstrate that SMFRP bars can be used as reinforcement of concrete member while providing deformation information. Furthermore, SMFRP bars may provide stronger durability and smart monitoring to reinforced concrete members under corrosive environments during a service life.