1. The design philosophy for concrete beams reinforced with GFRP bars differs from steel-reinforced beams due to the non-ductile behavior of GFRP. GFRP bars do not yield like steel bars and their failure is sudden without warning. 2. For GFRP-reinforced beams, compression-controlled failure by concrete crushing is preferable to tension-controlled failure by GFRP rupture as it provides more warning before failure. Higher strength concrete can be used to better utilize the strength of GFRP bars. 3. Due to the low modulus of elasticity and strain capacity of GFRP bars, GFRP-reinforced beams experience larger deflections and cracking than steel-