Overview
ISO 10406-1:2015 - Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement of concrete - Test methods - Part 1: FRP bars and grids is an international standard that specifies standardized test methods for FRP bars and grids used as reinforcements or pre‑stressing tendons in concrete. Published by ISO (ISO/TC 71, Subcommittee SC 6), this second edition updates and consolidates recognized test procedures to assess the mechanical, durability and dimensional properties of FRP reinforcement.
Keywords: ISO 10406-1:2015, FRP bars and grids, fibre-reinforced polymer, test methods, reinforcement of concrete, FRP testing
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard defines the types of test pieces, required test equipment and the data to be reported. Major technical topics covered include:
- Cross‑sectional properties
- Measurement and reporting of cross‑sectional area and geometry for bars and grids.
- Tensile properties
- Determination of tensile strength, modulus and elongation characteristics.
- Bond strength (pull‑out testing)
- Methods to evaluate bond between FRP reinforcement and concrete.
- Anchorages and couplers
- Performance testing for anchorage and mechanical coupler systems.
- Long‑term relaxation and creep
- Procedures to assess time‑dependent stress relaxation and creep failure behavior.
- Tensile fatigue
- Fatigue testing under cyclic tensile loading to assess endurance.
- Alkali resistance
- Exposure and tensile testing to evaluate durability in alkaline environments.
- Transverse shear and flexural tensile properties
- Tests for shear strength across fibres and flexural performance.
- Thermal expansion
- Measurement of coefficient of longitudinal thermal expansion by thermo‑mechanical analysis.
Each test section identifies specimen preparation, testing apparatus, calculation methods and essential items for the test report - ensuring consistent, comparable results across laboratories.
Practical applications and users
ISO 10406-1:2015 is used to:
- Qualify and certify FRP reinforcement products (bars, grids) for structural use.
- Provide test evidence for product development, quality control and material specifications.
- Support design decisions by structural and materials engineers considering FRP for new or retrofit concrete structures.
- Inform procurement, regulatory compliance and acceptance testing by testing laboratories and certifiers.
Primary users: manufacturers of FRP bars and grids, independent testing laboratories, structural engineers, specification authors, infrastructure owners and regulatory bodies.
Related standards
- ISO 10406-2 - FRP sheets (companion part)
- ISO 291 - Plastics - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
- ISO 3611 - GPS - Dimensional measuring equipment (micrometers)
ISO 10406-1:2015 provides a comprehensive, standardized basis for assessing FRP reinforcement performance and durability in concrete applications.