A critical review of BFRP-Reinforced concrete beam performance: failure mechanisms, design considerations, code provisions, and experimental–numerical correlations

Abstract

Basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars are a non-metallic, sustainable alternative to conventional steel reinforcement, offering corrosion resistance, a high strength-to-weight ratio, and enhanced durability in aggressive environments. This paper presents a review of BFRP-reinforced concrete beams, focusing on structural behavior, bond performance, durability, and design considerations. It examines the physical, mechanical, thermal, and environmental properties of BFRP bars, alongside bond mechanisms, experimental and numerical evaluation methods, and the need for reduction factors and testing approaches tailored to BFRP systems. The flexural and shear response of BFRP-reinforced beams is analyzed, highlighting their linear-elastic behavior, reduced stiffness, wider crack development, and brittle failure modes governed by sudden concrete crushing. The review also addresses thermal performance and long-term durability under harsh environmental conditions. Key design aspects, including serviceability limits, deflection behavior, crack control, and code provisions, are evaluated and compared with advanced modelling approaches. Although experimental results align well with numerical predictions, current design frameworks remain limited and not fully adapted to BFRP. The use of high-performance and fiber-reinforced concrete can mitigate some challenges related to ductility, shear performance, and long-term behavior. Future work should refine design guidelines and improve predictive models to support the implementation of BFRP in structural engineering applications.