Brahim Benmokrane

• Professor
• Professor (Full) at Université de Sherbrooke

Corrosion of steel dowels in jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP) reduces their effective service-life and creates considerable maintenance and repair expenditures. Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) dowel bars are a non-corrodible and maintenance-free alternative that will potentially reduce the life-cycle cost of JPCP, especially in harsh e...

The current provisions for development length in the ACI 440.11 code disregard the confinement effect provided by stirrups on the bond strength of longitudinal bars and require splice lengths that pose implementation challenges. Given the significant improvement in GFRP material properties, this study investigated the bond strength of sand-coated G...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the two-way shear strength of precast concrete box culverts reinforced with glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. The investigations included testing four full-scale specimens reinforced with GFRP bars under truck wheel load in accordance with current Canadian design codes. The load was applied to...

Using composite precast concrete bridge girders supporting cast-in-place bridge-deck slabs is a cost-efficient method because it merges precast and cast-in-place elements while maintaining the monolithic construction's integrity and continuity. In terms of horizontal shear transfer in composite girders, there is a lack of experimental data on the p...

Steel bars in reinforced concrete structures are prone to corrosion causing loss of strength and energy dissipation capacity of the concrete structures. The problem of corrosion in civil infrastructure has encouraged research in new noncorrosive reinforcements such as glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. GFRP bars have good corrosion resista...

Lap splicing is the most common and cost-efficient method for connecting bars in GFRP-reinforced concrete structures. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the bond behavior of high-modulus GFRP bars in concrete. The present study aims to fill this gap by investigating the bond strength of lap-spliced high-modulus GFRP bars in concrete. T...

Composite construction has proven to be cost-effective, as this method merges precast and cast-in-place elements while preserving the effectiveness and seamless nature of monolithic construction. There are no experimental research results on the behavior of glass f iber-reinforced polymer (GFRP)-reinforced composite beams in the case of horizontal...

The production of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites has predominantly relied on thermoset resins, such as polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy. This study represents a pioneering effort in assessing the durability of a new thermoplastic resin for pultruded FRP rebars used in concrete applications. Given the emerging environmental and sustainab...

Modifying the polymer matrix by nanoparticles can be a promising approach to improve the performance of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Organic solvents are usually used for dispersing graphene oxide (GO) well in the polymer matrix. In this study, a green, facile, and efficient approach was developed to prepare epoxy/GO nanocomposites. I...

Carbon-based nanoparticles (CBNs) are regarded as promising nanofillers in nanocompo-sites to produce high-performance fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs). To date, no systematic investigations have been carried out on the structural variations of nanofillers and their influences on dispersion characteristics, which give nanocomposites their mechanica...

This research evaluated the structural behavior of precast concrete box culverts (PCBCs) reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars, both experimentally and theoretically. Four full-scale specimens with a span of 1500 mm (59.06 in.), a rise of 1500 mm (59.06 in.), and a joint length of 1219 mm (48 in.) were prepared, along with one...

Vinyl-ester resin (VE) is a polymer matrix frequently used in several civil applications, but its long-term properties in humid and harsh environments can be a concern. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have remarkable mechanical, physical, and thermal properties. Adding them to the resin is a promising solution and makes it possible to manufacture cost-effe...

This paper presents an experimental study that investigated the physical and mechanical properties of the helical wrap glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. The physical tests are conducted to check the feasibility and quality of the production process through the cross-sectional area and evaluation of the fiber content, moisture absorption,...

The use of curvilinear glass fiber‒reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars as the longitudinal reinforcement in curved reinforced concrete (RC) elements has generated significant interest. Even so, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the long-term durability of nonpultruded curvilinear GFRP bars in an alkaline environment. This study represents a pione...

This paper introduces a green approach for preparing well-dispersed graphene nanoplates (GNPs) in vinyl-ester (VE) resin. The GNPs were exfoliated in a novel binary-solvent system comprised of a water and ethanol mixture (S nanocomposites). Water and ethanol were considered poor solvents for graphene, but a combination of them could be an ideal sol...

In this study, we evaluate the seismic performance of concrete columns reinforced with lap-spliced glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars through simulated earthquake loads. Six 400 × 400 mm columns with an overall height of 1,850 mm were tested. Five columns were reinforced with lap-spliced GFRP bars and one was reinforced with continuous GFRP...

Although estimating the post-cracking torsional stiffness is vital for distributing the torsional moment in analyzing statically indeterminate reinforced concrete (RC) structures, none of the North American codes provide an analytical approach for determining the torsional stiffness after cracking. Moreover, the scarcity of experimental work has re...

This study investigates the experimental and analytical torsional behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge box girders reinforced with glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and continuous spiral stirrups, representing a first in literature. Reinforced concrete box girders were constructed and examined until failure to assess the influence o...

Concrete box girders are significant structural elements in various engineering applications due to higher torsional stiffness and low self-weight. The use of glass fiber–reinforced polymers (GFRPs) as internal bars has been adopted for many structural applications. So far, the torsional behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) box girders reinforced w...

This paper presents an experimental study that investigated the physical properties, longitudinal tensile properties, and bond strength of a new generation of glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. Five commercially available types of GFRP bars with different surface treatments (deformed/ribbed, helically deformed, helically grooved, double he...

The use of hollow concrete columns (HCCs) as piers and piles for bridge applications is widespread due to their higher load-carrying capacity, stiffness, and strength-to-mass ratio compared to the solid section. This study aimed to examine the behavior of HCCs reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and spirals under different lo...

Advanced Composite Materials in Bridges and Structure

This article reports the results of a comprehensive analytical study implemented to develop deflection prediction methodologies for curvilinear reinforced concrete (RC) members with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement, focusing on precast concrete tunnel lining (PCTL) segments. The first step involved modifying the procedures for es...

The structural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) members depends on the bond between the reinforcing bars and surrounding concrete. Unlike steel bars, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars are manufactured with different fiber types (glass, basalt, carbon, and aramid) and have different mechanical properties and surface configurations (sand-coa...

Replacing conventional steel reinforcement with noncorroding glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement can be an effective solution to mitigate the corrosion problem in precast concrete tunnel lining (PCTL) segments. PCTL segments should be effectively designed to withstand the applied load during production, transportation, construction,...

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars have emerged as an attractive economic reinforcement due to their corrosion performance in aggressive environmental conditions. The current study aims to investigate the creep rupture strength of GFRP bars exposed to high alkaline water-saturated concrete (pH > 13.0) at an elevated temperature of 60 ℃ unde...

Extensive research and field practices have established the design principle of using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars to reinforce concrete structures. Material specifications and design aspects are now regulated through provisions governing certification testing, quality control/assessment, and FRP design. The Canadian Standards Association (C...

A hybrid use of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement and fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) could be a viable option for producing durable precast concrete tunnel lining (PCTL) segments. There is, however, a gap in the literature regarding the behavior of GFRP-reinforced FRC PCTL segments with typical amounts of reinforcement. This pape...

This study investigates the flexural behavior and serviceabilityperformance of lightweight self-consolidating concrete (LWSCC) beams reinforced with basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars. Eleven reinforced concrete beam specimens with a crosssectional width and height of 200 mm (7.87 in.) and 300 mm (11.81 in.), respectively, and with a total...

Serviceability requirements are crucial in the design of fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) reinforced concrete (RC) elements. Permissible crack width under service loads is one of the requirements that can control design. This paper aims at investigating the cracking behavior of lightweight self-consolidating concrete (LSC) beams reinforced with basal...

The paper presents a numerical investigation of the cyclic behavior of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) shear walls with hybrid reinforcement of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and steel bars. The concrete damage plasticity (CDP) model in ABAQUS was used to establish the finite-element analysis (FEA) model. The numerical results were compared...

Using glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars in precast concrete pontoon decks in aggressive marine environments would eliminate corrosion problems encountered with steel reinforcement. Although wave action usually subjects pontoon decks to torsion, but little is known about the behavior of such structures. Moreover, nothing is known about the...

Increasing interest in the use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement for reinforced concrete structures has made it clear that insufficient information about the seismic performance of such structures is currently available for practicing engineers. This paper summarizes the results of seven full-scale pseudo-static cyclic tests of squat...

The use of lightweight self-consolidating concrete (LWSCC) has significantly increased due to enhanced mix designs and its projected lower overall costs than normal-weight concrete. Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) has become a common alternative to conventional construction techniques. The use of LWSCC in ABC will reduce structural loads and...

Replacing steel reinforcements with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcements is considered as one of the best solutions to the corrosion problem associated with steel-reinforced concrete (RC) structure. The bond behavior of FRP reinforcing bars in concrete is one of the most critical parameters that control the behavior of FRP materials in con...

Replacement of internal reinforcement steel bars with fiber-reinforced polymer rebar (FRP) in the reinforced concrete (RC) structures is considered an innovative solution to improve the durability and prolong these structures' serviceability. This study aims to evaluate a new application of the corrosion–free and nonmagnetic FRP as a shear transfer...

The present study addresses the question of what effect wall thickness would have on the thermo-mechanical properties of corrugated HDPE pipes aging under freeze–thaw cycles in Quebec province, from the surface to its interior. Five commercial corrugated HDPE pipes for transportation infrastructure applications aging within 14 years from different...

As the use of recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) corrugated pipes is interested in road-drainage systems, their long-term properties need to be clarified. Recently, a research project was initiated at the University of Sherbrooke in collaboration with Quebec’s Ministry of Transportation (MTQ) to evaluate the durability of recycled and virgin...

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) found to be effective as an alternative reinforcement material for concrete structures in severe environmental conditions. Recent research with full FRP internal reinforcement has proven its effectiveness subjected to simulated seismic loading. However, limited research is available for the hybrid reinforced concrete...

The design service life of 100 years is an essential requirement for modern corrugated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe grades used in road drainage systems. Whether the recycled pipes guarantee performance and can be substituted for virgin pipes is also an issue in the process of being clarified. Furthermore, the variety of area characteristi...

The flexural behaviour of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite modular wall systems was evaluated experimentally and analytically. Full-scale wall panels were tested under uniformly distributed and concentrated loads to investigate the effects of wall sheathing, types of connections between sheathing and frame, inter-panel connections, a...

Integrating glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars into lightweight self-consolidating concrete (LWSCC) would effectively contribute to producing lighter and more durable reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Nonetheless, the shear behavior of GFRP RC structures cast with LWSCC has not yet been fully defined. This paper reports experimental resu...

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on concrete columns reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement under simulated seismic load. The investigation included testing of eight full-scale square concrete columns reinforced with GFRP bars, spirals, and crossties and a cross-section of 400 x 400 mm (15.8 x 15...

Hollow concrete columns (HCCs) constitute a structural system with low self-weight, reduced material use, and high strength-to-weight ratio. Limited studies, however, have focused on investigating the concentrically loaded behavior of circular HCCs reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement. Moreover, there appears to be no...

The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) matrix composites in civil engineering has gained attention in recent years as a substitute for steel reinforcement in corrosive conditions. FRP composites are widely used for concrete structures, including marine structures, concrete bridge-deck slabs, and concrete pavement, due to their outstanding proper...

The use of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite bars as internal reinforcement in concrete structures exposed to marine and aggressive environments has gained popularity in recent years. The fact that designers and workers are unfamiliar with the design and handling of GFRP bars contributes to GFRP bars being used less often than traditi...

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites could be an alternative of traditional materials for modular construction due to their superior strength to weight ratio, corrosion resistance and immunity from biological degradation. This paper investigates the in-plane shearing behaviour of full-scale modular wall system made from all glass FRP (GFRP) re...

Serviceability issue is one of the issues that can often control the design of flexural elements reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars due to the relatively low modulus of elasticity of GFRP bars. This paper reports on an investigation based upon experimental study that evaluated the cracking behavior of lightweight self-consol...

Hollow concrete columns (HCCs) are an effective structural system for piles, electric poles, and bridge piers due to their low self-weight in conjunction with the high strength offered and reduced material use. This study investigated the behavior of concentrically loaded circular HCCs reinforced with glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and...

This paper reports the comparative results of an experimental study performed on concrete columns reinforced entirely with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and with hybrid reinforcement (longitudinal steel bars and transverse GFRP spirals and cross ties) subjected to quasi-static cycling loading. Four full-scale bridge columns were constr...

This study investigated the behavior of hollow concrete columns reinforced with GFRP bars and spirals under axial loading. Nine columns were constructed with a hollow circular cross-section having 305/113 mm outer/inner diameter and 1,500 mm height, while five solid columns were fabricated as a reference. Test parameters included the influence of t...

Integrating basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars into lightweight self-consolidating concrete (LWSCC) bars offers the advantages of both materials and produces less-weight and more durable reinforced concrete (RC) members. This paper presents the behavior of LWSCC beams reinforced with BFRP bars under flexural loads. Four RC beam specimens (...

Replacing steel reinforcement with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement is an effective solution to avoid the corrosion problem in precast concrete tunnel-lining (PCTL) segments. In addition, using high-strength concrete (HSC) can improve the durability of concrete in the harsh environment of tunnels. This study pioneers in investiga...

The current study presents the results of a collaborative research project between Quebec’s Ministry of Transportation and the University of Sherbrooke to develop a new test methodology for evaluating the tensile strength of Glass Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer (GFRP) bent bars at the bends. The proposed testing procedure aims at facilitating the in-site...

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes have been introduced in various infrastructure sectors as cost-effective pipes due to their physicochemical and mechanical properties. The HDPE pipes have corrosion, chemical resistance, good flexibility and low maintenance costs. However, as compared to HDPE pipes made with recycled resins, using these pipes...

Glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars are now accepted as longitudinal reinforcements for concrete columns. However, code recommendations for designing and analysing concrete columns with GFRP bars are still ignoring their contribution to carrying the axial loads due to the limited understanding of its behaviour under compression, while in som...

Squat walls with a ratio of height-to-length of less than two are important structural components in many commercial buildings and safety-related nuclear structures. Given their low aspect ratio, squat walls have shorter fundamental periods (of order of 0.20–0.50 s.) than high-rise ones. Therefore, for any ground shaking of a given duration, they w...

The behavior and shear strength of lightweight self-consolidating concrete (LWSCC) beams reinforced with basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars were investigated. A total of four large-scale reinforced concrete beams without stirrups were constructed. Tests were carried out on three rectangular beam specimens using LWSCC; the remaining one, se...

For an earthquake-resistant structure, the inelastic response which provides ductility is the important aspect of maintaining the strength of the structure under seismic loads. To ensure ductile behavior, the column should have adequate confinement reinforcement in the region of the plastic hinge. The available design codes specify the special conf...

This paper reports on an investigation of the axial compression behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP)-reinforced concrete (RC) square columns after immersing in simulated severe marine environments. Four laboratory-scale GFRP-RC square columns (300 mm width and 1000 mm height) were reinforced longitudinally with GFRP bars and transverse...

The use of precast concrete tunnel linings (PCTLs) has been escalating due to its efficient and economical installation process. Such structural elements are typically designed for a service life of 100 years or greater. However, traditional steel-reinforced PCTL segments suffer from corrosion of reinforcement intensified by the corrosive environme...

The strength and behavior of precast segmental tunnel linings reinforced internally with fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) bars is one area in which limited experimental research results are available in practice. This paper reports on an investigation of the behavior of precast concrete tunnel segments reinforced with glass FRP (GFRP) bars under cycl...

This paper suggests hybrid (steel/glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites) bars as primary reinforcement for modern reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers. A detailed two-dimensional finite element model (2D FEM), that considers material and geometric nonlinearity and the bond behavior of steel and glass FRP (GFRP) reinforcement, was create...