This
paper presents one of the case studies that was examined during the European
funded CRAFT RTD Project CurvedNFR.
A 6m long concrete plank reinforced with
thermosetting FRP bars as longitudinal reinforcement and thermoplastic FRP
strips as shear reinforcement was manufactured and tested in the structural
laboratory of the University of Sheffield. The use of FRPs allowed the
reduction in the required concrete cover (hence a reduction in the overall depth and
total weight) and will guarantee the construction of a highly durable
structure, thereby minimising the need of structural maintenance. This study
shows that current design recommendations for FRP RC structures can be
effectively used to predict
deflection and crack width of the RC plank at
service load. It is also found that serviceability limit state, such as
deflection and crack width, control the design criteria.