GFRP Rebar: An Ideal Solution for Marine Structures

GFRP Rebar: An Ideal Solution for Marine Structures

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement for civil engineering applications is gaining wide acceptance as a sustainable and long-term alternative to traditional reinforcement materials. One of the distinguishing properties is that they don’t corrode and hence they withstand corrosive environments where steel has a much shorter life span.

Concrete jetties, wharves, bridges, and seawalls are examples of marine structures subjected to environmental elements such as chlorides and weathering. GFRP reinforcement should be used for enhanced durability and longer service life. Design codes have been developed to make GFRP materials more suitable for use in waterside and other critical concrete structures. These composite materials also provide dependable reinforcement solutions to marine concrete rehabilitation projects.

Marine structures play a pivotal role in marine resource exploitation and economic development. Short life span and heavy maintenance are two major concerns that make it difficult for governments to make the most of these structures.

Corrosion and its impact

Corrosion is a natural phenomenon where metals deteriorate rapidly when exposed to moisture and other elements. Steel corrodes rapidly in the marine environment. The construction industry spends heavily on slowing down the deterioration process and repairing the damaged components. Here are some of the factors that cause and accelerate the corrosion process:

  • Chloride-containing elements
  • De-icing salts
  • Sea water
  • Airborne chlorides
  • Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  • Sea dredged aggregates

Fiber-reinforced polymers are inherently corrosion-resistance and electromagnetically neutral. These properties strengthen RC structures and help them fight corrosive environments for a long period. The expected lifespan of GFRP rebar is more than 100 years.

Marine construction projects where GFRP rebar is an ideal option:

  • Sewage treatment facilities
  • Retaining walls, seawalls
  • Floating structures
  • Decks, quays, and piles
  • Boat ramps, jetties, and bulkheads
  • Roads, bridges, and pools

Without correct mixing, design, placement, and curing, the durability of concrete can be impaired. The best construction practices and high-quality materials can play a serious role in minimizing the direct maintenance cost and increasing the life cycle of sensitive concrete structures.

Why choose GFRP rebar?

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement offers promising mechanical and physical properties which make it highly attractive for marine structures operating in aggressive environments such as coastal regions, public infrastructure, and buildings that host sensitive equipment.

Here are some of the GFRP reinforcement products available at TUF-BAR:

  • Rebar 45 GPa Straight Bars
  • Rebar 60 GPa Straight Bars
  • Rebar 45 GPa Bent Bars
  • Rebar 50 GPa Bent Bars

Fiberglass product shapes include:

  • Continuous spiral-shaped stirrup
  • Continuous square or rectangular shape stirrup
  • Fiberglass rebar columns and piling cages
  • U Shape Bend
  • Single spiral-shaped stirrup

Marine GFRP-reinforced structures are invulnerable to moisture and strong chlorides. When bonded with concrete, fiberglass rebar doesn’t react to salts, moisture ingression, and other chemicals.

About TUF-BAR

At TUF-BAR, we manufacture and sell the highest-quality GFRP products which are suitable for both marine construction and rehabilitation applications. We also allow other companies in North America to obtain exclusive rights to produce and sell our products through our licensing program. Contact us should you have any questions!