Strengthening And Rehabilitation Applications of GFRP Rebar

Rehabilitation-Applications-of-GFRP-Rebar

Following the introduction of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) into civil engineering in the 1970s, glass fibers were used in the polyester matrix to produce corrosion-free reinforcement bars. There were several concerns related to the lack of knowledge of in-service properties of composite construction materials.

Many research programs were carried out in order to determine the true potential of GFRP materials and their applicability as a sustainable rehabilitation material. The development of new codes and the availability of in practice data have broadened the scope and applications of GFRP reinforcement. Following are some of the rehabilitation applications of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement:

External reinforcement of reinforced concrete (RC)

The maintenance and upgradation of deteriorated structures have become one of the major concerns for civil engineers worldwide. It is economically viable to rehabilitate a concrete structure than to rebuild a new one. GFRP reinforcement is being used worldwide to rehabilitate structurally deficient structures like highway bridges, seawalls, buildings, and other concrete members. There are a number of rehabilitation methods that structural engineers employ to upgrade a concrete structure with GFRP rebar.

Internal reinforcement

As internal reinforcement, GFRP bars are manufactured using a method called pultrusion. It is important to produce composite bars using fibers in order to develop excellent bond characteristics between bars and concrete.

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement is emerging as a practical solution to eliminate the corrosion problem of steel reinforcements in concrete structures. Unique characteristics and long-term durability of GFRP bars is crucial to extending its application especially in structures subject to aggressive environments.

GFRP rebar is tested to be the most effective material for the confinement of concrete columns. Advantages of concrete confinement with GFRP composites include:

  • Composite materials can be applied in confinement process with great ease.
  • Fiberglass bars are non-corrosive when exposed to a number of environmental elements.
  • They are magnetically transparent and do not interrupt electromagnetic fields.

Unlike steel reinforcing bars, GFRP rebar cannot be reshaped once they are manufactured. Various bends can only be produced during the manufacturing process. When it comes to the cost and durability, fiberglass composites turn out to be an ideal rehabilitation material which can be used in severe environmental conditions. This is the reason why fiberglass bars are being widely used for building new structures and rehabilitating the existing ones.

Why TUF-BAR

TUF-BAR is a leading manufacturer and seller of the highest-quality fiberglass rebar in North America. Our GFRP rebar is an incredible construction material which provides numerous advantages when used in new projects or rehabilitation activities. Visit our site to learn more about our sustainable construction products.