Performance evaluation of precast concrete block reinforced with GFRP rebars for erosion control

Korea has four distinct seasons and the stream flow varies considerably as per the season. When the rain fills up the streams, the high speed flowing water slowly sloughs away the earth at the base of the slopes, thereby resulting in slope failure. Therefore, to prevent this scouring action, concrete blocks have been widely used for slope protection. But, as concrete block are exposed to water and humid environment, the steel rebars are more prone to corrosion. So the performance of these blocks happens to be less than expected. In this study, conventional steel rebars were replaced with GFRP rebars to solve the aforementioned problem. For performance evaluation of the concrete blocks, GFRP bar diameter and reinforcement ratio were kept the same as for steel reinforcing bars. After steam and atmospheric curing, these blocks were tested under various loading conditions. Consequently, the mechanical properties of concrete blocks reinforced with GFRP rebars were found better than those reinforced with steel bars.