Fiber reinforced rebar - Glassfiber Produkter

Glass fiber reinforced (GFRP) rebar can replace steel rebars in concrete structures. The use can be temporary – or permanent where there is a requirement for high strength, risk of corrosion or to avoid or to avoid induction of currents from electromagnetic fields.

The product offers environmentally friendly solutions and provides a significant reduction in repair and maintenance costs.

The glass fiber reinforced rebars are produced with pultrusion in a continuous process. Fibers used are high quality glass, resin from polyester or vinyl ester with a typical fiber content of 75%.

The GFRP rebars have twice the strength (tensile strength) compared to steel. The rebar material exhibits linear-elastic behavior up to failure – so-called brittle behaviour. The weight is a ¼ compared to steel rebars.

GFRP rebars are available in nominal diameters from 8 mm to 38 mm. Angles / bends are available in various designs such as 2D or 3D shapes, similar to that of steel rebar.

Advantages and Properties

low thermal conductivity reduces cold bridge through concrete
not electrically conductive – will not lead unwanted electrical current in case of accident
non-magnetic – does not interfere with electronic instruments
corrosion resistant – reduces the cover for corrosion protection
high tensile strength – approx. double the strength of steel bar
continuously profiled surface – proper bonding to the concrete
low weight – easy handling at site

	Unit	S	P
Fiber		glass	glass
Resin		polyester	vinyl ester
Application		temporary	permanently
Color code		blue	gray
Tensile strength	MPa	1,000	1,000
E-Module	GPa	50	60
Specific gravity	g/cm³	2,1	2,1
Diameter	etc.	8-38	8-38
Breakage extension	2.1	2.1	2.1

The FRP rebar has been through extensive testing at Sherbrooke University in Canada, a world-leading institute for GFRP rebar research in the construction industry. Based on test results, the product is qualified as a permanent reinforcement in concrete structures.

Reference standards

– ACI 440.1R-15 – Guide for the Design and Construction of Structural Concrete Reinforced with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bars.

Design Considerations

The mechanical properties of FRP reinforcing bars differ from those of conventional steel rebar in a number of areas. As a result, several issues arise in the development of a design methodology for concrete structures reinforced with such bars.

The general design recommendations for flexural concrete elements reinforced with FRP reinforcing bars are presented in ACI 440.1R-06 (2006), Guide for the Design and Construction of Structural Concrete Reinforced with FRP Bars, as reported by the American Concrete institute (ACl) committee 440.

Applications