Can FRP be used as SOLE reinforcing in concrete railings?

[1SEngineer]

It's been some time since I researched FRP design.

Can anyone tell me if FRP can be used as SOLE reinforcing in concrete railings?

I'd like to eliminate steel.

Please refer to specific codes.

Thank You.

 

[hardbutmild]

When you say railings, what do you mean by that? Sorry, I'm not familiar with all english terminology.

There are provisions in the second generation of the eurocodes. I don't know when will this new version become official or if it already is in some parts of Europe. There are also some provisions in fib Model Code 2020, also a european code (there are a few publications by fib specifically dealing with frp).
I believe that ACI 440 and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Guide Specifications for GFRP–Reinforced Concrete are used in the US.
Other than europe and US, russians and canadians have some provisions, but I don't know their codes.

I don't see why you wouldn't be allowed to use only FRP reinforcement, just make sure that you limit the stress in reinforcement and OVER-REINFORCE the element.

 

[1SEngineer]

@hardbutmild

Thanks for the response.

This is the USA, so other foreign codes would not be relevant.

FRP cannot be used as primary reinforcing, the last time I read up on FRP design codes. This pertains mainly to structural components like beams and slabs. FRP does not yield.

However, precast concrete railings are not main structural elements. I can't see how yield matters in these cases.

 

[hardbutmild]

However, precast concrete railings are not main structural elements. I can't see how yield matters in these cases.

My thoughts exactly. If it was a structurally important element (especially in a seismic area) then it would be a different case.