A large number of concrete structures are deteriorating and require immediate remedial measures to restore their integrity and serviceability. The need for structural rehabilitation has increased over the last few decades. While repairing deteriorated structures is expensive, costs resulting from substandard materials and poorly designed repairs may be even higher. The economic and technical success of rehabilitation projects depends largely upon the design, execution of maintenance strategies, and sustainability of construction materials.
For reinforced concrete structures, the major durability issue is corrosion of steel reinforcement. Severe chemical attacks, construction defects, fire damage, and structural loading are also leading factors that lead to premature deterioration. Since steel reinforcement is the leading reason why concrete structures fail to reach their expected service life despite heavy maintenance, the demand for sustainable reinforcement materials is on the rise.
Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) for rehabilitation
GFRP reinforcement is rapidly emerging as a sustainable construction solution and alternative to traditional materials. Impeccable resistance to corrosion, ease of installation, design flexibility, and minimum maintenance are some of the factors encouraging the use of fiberglass rebar in the rehabilitation of structures.
GFRP materials have shown incredible potential for use in civil engineering applications due to their attractive properties. The application of GFRP rebar in the renewal of existing RC structures such as buildings, bridges, roads bridges, roads, etc. can help the construction industry build long-lasting buildings in corrosive environments. Low maintenance and lifecycle costs, low installation cost, and tailorable performance properties are encouraging the civil engineering community to increase the use of advanced composite materials for new and rehabilitation applications.
Related: Durability of GFRP Reinforcement: Field Studies
The civil structures reinforced with GFRP rebar are likely to have a service life in excess of 100 years. Most importantly, GFRP reinforcement requires very minimal maintenance to reach the expected service life. Some situations where GFRP materials can be used to repair or rehabilitate a concrete member include structural degradation, increased live and dead loads, architectural malpractices, change in load path, and the need to comply with modern design practices.
Concrete corrosion is a common phenomenon which causes structural degradation, especially when a structure has to withstand an aggressive environment. The initial cost of implementing GFRP reinforcement can be high. Nevertheless, the speed of construction, reduced labor costs, and low maintenance offset the initial high cost. Lightweight reinforcement makes it easy for civil engineers to complete a rehabilitation project quickly without causing major traffic disruptions. In other words, rehabilitation of deteriorated concrete members with GFRP significantly lowers the indirect cost.
If you are looking for concrete reinforcement which sustainably extends the service life of deficient structures with minimum disruption to users, select GFRP fiberglass rebar for your next project. TUF-BAR manufactures and sells the finest quality GFRP products designed for both rehabilitation and new projects. Contact us for more information!
