This method for investigating creep rupture of FRP bars is intended for use in laboratory tests in which the principal variable is the size or type of FRP bars, magnitude of applied force, and duration of force application. Unlike steel reinforcing bars or prestressing tendons subjected to significant sustained stress, creep rupture of FRP bars may take place below the static tensile strength. Therefore, the creep rupture strength is an important factor when determining acceptable stress levels in FRP bars used as reinforcement or tendons in concrete members designed to resist sustained loads. Creep rupture strength varies according to the type of FRP bars used.

This test method measures the creep rupture time of FRP bars under a given set of controlled environmental conditions and force ratios.

This test method is intended to determine the creep rupture data for material specifications, research and development, quality assurance, and structural design and analysis. The primary test result is the million-hour creep rupture capacity of the specimen.

Creep properties of reinforced, post-tensioned, or prestressed concrete structures are important to be considered in design. For FRP bars used as reinforcing bars or tendons, the creep rupture shall be measured according to the method given herein.

1.1 This test method outlines requirements for tensile creep rupture testing of fiber reinforced polymer matrix (FRP) composite bars commonly used as tensile elements in reinforced, prestressed, or post-tensioned concrete.

1.2 Data obtained from this test method are used in design of FRP reinforcements under sustained loading. The procedure for calculating the one-million hour creep-rupture capacity is provided in .

1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.