Abstract: Concrete beams reinforced with plastic/basalt fiber composite (BFRP bars) were prepared and analyzed by three-point testing and finite element analysis. The flexural failure mode of the beam was different from traditional reinforced concrete beam in that the failure sections were all located near the load point. Finite elements analysis was carried out on the failure mode and the follows was considered as the main reasons: the mechanical behavior of BFRP bars was much adversely influenced by the dowel effect in the beam; the width of cracks affected the flexural failure mode; the failure mode was closely associated with the apparent surface deformation, the lower transverse shear carrying capacity, and the lower elastic modulus of BFRP bars; local bonding failure between BFRP bars and concrete, dowel effect, and stress concentration. The fourth constituted the main reasons of the failure mode.

Key words: basalt fiber reinforced plastics bar, concrete beam, flexural failure mode, finite element analysis