GFRP rebar FAQs

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) is a composite material of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers. FRP stands for Fiber Reinforced Polymer which includes aramid (AFRP), basalt (BFRP), carbon (CFRP), and Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP).

GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) Rebar is a spiral-wound structural reinforcing rod made from a combination of fiberglass roving and resin. While it may surprise you FRP rebar has been successful for over four decades in the US, Canada, and other places worldwide. Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP), or fiberglass, is a composite consisting of a polymer resin matrix reinforced by glass fibers and then shaped into bars, we call it FiBAR®.

Traditional steel rebars are susceptible to corrosion, which compromises the structural integrity of concrete over time. This corrosion leads to premature deterioration, increased maintenance costs, and reduced service life of concrete structures. GFRP Rebar emerges as an alternative, effectively addressing the challenges posed by traditional steel rebars. With its corrosion-resistant nature, superior strength, and lightweight handling, GFRP Rebar revolutionizes structural reinforcement, ensuring longer-lasting, cost-effective, and eco-friendly concrete structures.

GFRP rebar FiBAR® has a high tensile strength which means they are at least 2x stronger than traditional steel of the same diameter. This allows you, in some cases, to replace the diameter of steel with one size smaller diameter of FiBAR® without any loss of performance. Since FiBAR® is anti- corrosive and has a life of over 2x that compared with TMT reinforcement bars, this makes it easy to choose. While deciding between GFRP rebar and steel rebars, the durability of FiBAR® will take over the other. As the density of glass fiber reinforcement is only about 1900 kg/cubic meter, it makes FiBAR® about 4x lighter than the conventional reinforcement bars making it easy to handle, transport, and faster construction process.

When a structure reinforced with GFRP rebars reaches the end of its life and is demolished, there are a few options for handling the GFRP materials: 1. Recycling: GFRP rebars can be recycled, though the process is more complex than for traditional steel. GFRP materials can be shredded and repurposed as filler material for other construction projects or composite products. 2. Reusing: If the rebars remain in good condition, they can be salvaged and reused in non-critical applications like landscaping or secondary structures. 3.Disposal: GFRP is chemically inert and non-toxic, meaning it can be disposed of in landfills without releasing harmful substances. However, this is often considered the least sustainable option. The growing focus on sustainability is driving innovation in recycling techniques, making GFRP rebar disposal and reuse more efficient over time.

1. Direct Cost Saving Reduced maintenance and repair costs. 2. Long-Term Durability Extended lifespan in corrosive environments. Minimized repair and replacement. 3. Lower Transportation Costs Reduced weight cuts fuel. 4. Lightweight Material Handling Lower labor installation expenses. 5. Reduced Concrete Coverage Less concrete, same strength. 6. Improved Structural Performance Higher tensile strength, reduced material usage. 7. Corrosion Resistance Benefits No rust-related deterioration or repairs. 8. Faster Project Completion Easier handling, faster installation. Simplified handling speeds up construction timelines. Time savings equals money. 9. Reduced Environmental Impact Less material waste and longer asset life.

GFRP rebars have strong fire resistance and do not easily ignite or spread flames. While the material may begin to degrade at very high temperatures, it remains stable under most fire conditions. For added safety, GFRP can be coated with fire-resistant materials like rock wool or calcium silicate, further improving its performance in extreme situations.

We manufacture and supply FiBAR® of diameters 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, and 25mm. While on-site bending is not possible, GFRP rebars can be bent during the manufacturing process. Pre-bent FiBAR® is an excellent solution for projects requiring specific shapes and configurations.

GFRP rebar, FiBAR® is typically transported in coils of 100-200m for diameters up to 12mm, while diameters beyond 12mm are transported according to the vehicle length, usually 6m long bars. These transportation methods are designed to ensure easy handling and storage of the product during transit.

When it comes to handling FiBAR®, it is essential to handle the product with care to avoid injury or damage. Firstly, open the packaging completely, being careful not to force the product out too quickly, as the elastic energy in the material can cause it to snap back suddenly and cause injury.

Unwinding a coil of FiBAR® is a super simple process. To unwind the FiBAR® coil, you can simply place it on a suitable unwinding stand or a clean flat surface and start unrolling it. When unwinding FiBAR®, it is important to take care to avoid any damage to the product. Be sure to handle the coil with care and use appropriate equipment to support and stabilize it as you unroll it. The unwinding of a GFRP rebar, FiBAR® coil is a quick and easy process. Watch how we unwind a coil of FiBAR® here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QT3zhQzeiMA ​

On-site cutting can be done using carbide or diamond-coated blades, which are specifically designed to handle the high strength and durability of GFRP rebar or reinforcement bars like FiBAR®. Low speed of cutting is recommended for cleaner cuts. To learn more about the cutting process for FiBAR®, you can watch the instructional video here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmQh5nqjr6p/

While on-site bending is not possible, GFRP rebars can be bent during the manufacturing process

When it comes to installing FiBAR®, the process is very similar to that of steel rebar. The super-lightweight material makes it easy for laborers to work on-site, improving their efficiency. To install FiBAR®, place it in the required position, ensuring it is correctly aligned and supported. Note that FiBAR® is a straight bar that cannot be bent post-curing, so it's important to use the appropriate lengths and sizes for your project. Once the FiBAR® is in place, it is possible to tie the rebars using plastic clips or plastic fix clips which can be quicker and easier than traditional tie wires.

GFRP rebar cannot be welded, but efficient alternatives can be applied to tie the rebars together.

When it comes to binding FiBAR®, there are a few different options available depending on your needs and preferences. 1. Plastic fix-clips can be used to bind GFRP rebar FiBAR®. These clips are designed to snap onto the rebar while tying it around the rebars together. 2. Plastic clips provide a secure and reliable method of tying the bars together, and they can be quicker and easier to use than traditional wire ties. 3. Knitting wire can also be used to tie FiBAR® together. Knitting wire is made from high-quality steel wire specially designed to work with reinforcement bars, providing a strong and reliable bond.

While certain care must be taken while storing FiBAR® on site, it is easy. 1. DO NOT store or place FiBAR® on sharp edges or surface 2. DO NOT store FiBAR® in direct sunlight for longer period. ALWAYS store in shade Whereas, storing GFRP rebars under rain has no effect as the material does not corrode 3. Place bends and non-linear components on durable pallets 4. DO NOT drag FiBAR® on ground or across sharp edges 5. ALWAYS use proper hoisting equipment and multiple lifting points when handling linear (for size 12mm and above), non-linear and bent FiBAR®

GFRP is twice as strong yet more flexible than steel rebar, behaving in a linear elastic manner until failure, which means it doesn’t have a defined yield point. Despite this, GFRP can withstand significantly higher loads. Engineers should adhere to specific Codes and Standards for GFRP rebar rather than those for steel. Following are the diameter equivalents in mm

Listed below are the comparative technical properties for TMT and FiBAR *These properties are indicative

GFRP rebars are 1/4th weight of steel rebars due to the composite materials used in manufacturing, making its density only about 1900 kg/cu.m. Following are the comparative weights:

FiBAR® is manufactured and tested as per IS 18256 : 2023- Specification for Solid Round Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars for Concrete Reinforcement and IS 18255 :2023- Fiber- Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bars for Concrete Reinforcement Methods of Test. Other codes include: 1. ACI 440.1R-15 (2015) Guide for the Design and Construction of Structural Concrete Reinforced with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bars 2. ACI 440.11 22 (2022) The Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bars 3. ACI 440.5-08 (2008) (American Code) 4. AASHTO GFRP-1 (2009) (American Code) 5. ISBN 0-9689060-6-6 (Canadian code) 6. BS ISO 13706-1 (British standard) 7. EN - 13706 (European standard) 8. GOST 31938 (Russian standard) 9. CNR DT 203/2006 (Italian Code) 10. 22-A 98741 (Norwegian Code)

1. Water containing structures: Swimming pool, Underground and overhead water tank (UGT/OHT), STP, ETP, chemical tanks, Irrigation water canal 2. Marine structures: Ports and jetties, seawalls, water breaks, artificial reefs, floating marine docks, piles, coastline structures, buildings near water systems, retaining walls 3. Highway construction: Highway and private roads, streetlight pedestal, Reinforcement of roadbed, dowel bars, Contact line supports, sidewalk, sidewalk strip, water channels along road 4. Residential construction and civil engineering: Foundation and footing, Basements, Structures up to G+1 floors, Retaining walls, Compound walls, Precast structures, Slab and road panels, Culverts, Compound wall, Storm water drain channels 5. Industrial engineering: Floor pavements, industrial flooring, PCC, tremix flooring, grade slab, Urban municipal structures, sewer collection structures, storm water drain channels, culverts 6. Bridge building & reconstruction: Bride deck, Concrete pavements, side walk strips, subways, tunnels, dams, etc. 7. Railway construction: Elements of railway sleepers for high-speed trains and underground railroads.