Análise comparativa entre o uso de aço e vergalhões de fibra de vidro (GFRP) no concreto armado

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative study on the use of CA-50 steel rebars and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebars in reinforced concrete structures. A broad and rigorous literature review was conducted, including a qualitative analysis of scientific articles, national and international technical standards, specialized books, and case studies. The general objective is to comparatively analyze both types of materials, considering aspects such as mechanical properties, bond strength to concrete, durability, behavior in aggressive environments, and economic feasibility within the Brazilian context. According to the literature studied, although GFRP offers higher tensile strength and immunity to corrosion, it has significant limitations, such as a lower modulus of elasticity and brittle failure behavior, requiring specific considerations in structural design. The theoretical framework was based on a diverse set of authors and technical documents, notably publications by ACI, ASTM, ABNT, IBRACON, as well as recent studies by researchers such as Moura, Kasai, and Henin & Morcous. The methods adopted were explanatory and descriptive approaches, based on content analysis, which is typical of qualitative research in engineering. The findings indicate that although GFRP is initially more expensive and not widely used in Brazil, it can be highly advantageous for structures exposed to aggressive environments due to its high durability and significant reduction in maintenance costs throughout the structure’s life cycle.