A refined prediction method for the long-term performance of BFRP bars serviced in field environments

A new kind of advanced composite reinforcement, basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars, has not yet been widely adopted by design codes/guidelines worldwide, likely due to the lack of reliable long-term performance data. This paper proposed a refined prediction method for the long-term performance of BFRP bars that considers the effects of service year, concrete-wrap, environmental humidity and seasonal temperature fluctuations. According to the available accelerated aging tests data in the literature, the environmental reduction factors (ERFs) for a BFRP bar used as a concrete internal reinforcement in a field environment are predicted. The results showed that the ERF for BFRP bars can be recommended to be 0.84 or 0.72 for an RH < 90% and a moisture saturated environment (RH = 100%), respectively.