American Concrete Institute’s New Certificate Program – Designing Concrete Structures Reinforced with GFRP Bars Using the ACI CODE-440.11-22

ACI Certificate Programs, delivered through ACI University, encourage concrete professionals to gain in-depth knowledge about particular topics in concrete materials, design, repair, or construction by following a defined online course of study.

Co-sponsored by NEx: An ACI Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials, the primary purpose of this program is to educate on ACI CODE-440.11-22 and the application of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforced concrete in the construction industry.

ACI CODE-440.11-22 “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars” is a newly developed design code for new concrete structures reinforced with GFRP bars. It is based on ACI 318 code requirements for steel-reinforced concrete but modifies ACI 318 code requirements for the specific use of GFRP reinforcing bars as an alternative to steel reinforcing bars. It addresses construction and material requirements, structural systems, members, and strength and serviceability requirements. Among the subjects covered are design and construction for strength, serviceability, and durability; load combinations, load factors, and strength reduction factors; structural analysis methods; deflection limits; development and splicing of reinforcement; construction document information; and field inspection and testing.

This program provides a basic overview of GFRP reinforcing bar properties, where they are commonly used, and how other specifications and standards from ACI and ASTM provide the basic foundation on which the new code has been developed. A discussion on where the code puts limits on the types of structures that can be reinforced with GFRP and where the code does and does not apply is presented. The program then provides detailed discussion on the engineering of GFRP reinforced concrete for various member types (including beams, columns, slabs, walls, and connections); determining flexural, shear, torsional, and axial strength of members reinforced with GFRP; and detailing GFRP bars for serviceability and durability. In all presentations, specific differences in designing with GFRP reinforcement versus steel reinforcement are highlighted. This is a great opportunity for engineers, owners, contractors, consultants, students, and manufacturers to get familiar with the technical and engineering aspects of ACI CODE-440.11 and learn more about designing and detailing with GFRP reinforcement.