DAfStb booklet 660: “Concrete components with non-metallic reinforcement (DAfStb booklet 660)”

The first edition of the DAfStb guideline for “Concrete members with non-metallic reinforcement”, prepared by the DAfStb subcommittee “Non-metallic reinforcement”, was published in January 2024. The rules documented in the guideline are the result of many years of research work and field experience, appropriately reflecting the current body of knowledge in this field in Germany.

DAfStb booklet 660 provides additional explanations and examples intended to make it easier for users to understand and apply the guideline. The booklet consists of two parts: the first part contains the text of the guideline on the left-hand side, and explanations and recommendations on the relevant sections of the guideline on the right-hand side, comprising information on the background and scientific principles as well as further references. The second part of the booklet contains two design examples authored by members of the DAfStb subcommittee “Non-metallic reinforcement”. Two applications from building construction were chosen as examples: in the first example, a slab for a multi-story car park is designed in which carbon fiber reinforced polymer grid reinforcement is to be used as longitudinal reinforcement. It does not require shear reinforcement.

The second example covers a beam with glass fiber reinforced polymer bar reinforcement as both longitudinal and shear reinforcement. The examples illustrate the types of reinforcement covered by the guideline as well as the necessary verifications based on realistic loads and dimensions.

The subcommittee’s work will continue once booklet 660 has been completed: work has already begun on the second edition of the guideline, which will cover further findings, for example on fatigue or prestressing, and will be used to prepare for adaptation to the new Eurocode 2.