ABOUT GFRP

  • What is GFRP?

    GFRP stands for Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer. The terminology used to refer to polymer or plastic corrugated rods that have been reinforced with glass fibre. It represents an efficient and durable alternative to steel bars. Its most notable properties are non-corrosion, tensile strength and low weight.
  • What are the sizes available for gfrp rebars?

    We manufacture and supply GFRP of diameters 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20,25 and 32mm.While on-site bending is not possible, GFRP rebars can be bent during the manufacturing process. Pre-bent GFRP is an excellent solution for projects requiring specific shapes and configurations.
  • How is GFRP rebar installed?

    The installation process for composite reinforcement is similar to that of metal rebar. However, due to its lightweight nature, composite rods can be secured using plastic clips in addition to tie wire.
  • What are the Economic advantage of GFRP rebar?

    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.
  • Is GFRP flammable?

    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.
  • Can you store GFRP rebar under direct sunlight?

    No, if it is more than 2 months. GFRP rebar is made from thermoset Matrix that can be degraded by UV radiation, due to cost competitiveness, GFRP rebar does not have a UV-inhibiting binders. Always cover the GFRP rebar from direct UV radiation with tarp if it is store outside.
  • Can you bend GFRP rebar?

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

COMPARED TO STEEL

  • How does GFRP strength compare to steel?

    GFRP has a tensile strength of greater than 1000 MPa, in compare to steel (about 400 MPa), GFRP can take over 2x the tensile load of steel before failure.
  • Is fiberglass rebar cost competitive?

    Yes, fiberglass costs less than plain steel. Aside from material savings, there are significant labor savings to be realized during the installation. Fiberglass rebar is about 75% lighter than steel rebar, so it costs less to ship. When installing this option, it is easier to handle and cut. There is no need for waterproofing additives, no allowances required for corrosion diameter reduction, and no need for extra concrete protection. Furthermore, there is no need for touch-ups of the surface coating or cathodic protection. This means GFRP reduces installation time and labor costs.
  • How does GFRP strain compare to steel?

    GFRP has tensile strain between 1.0% to 2.0%, steel has tensile strain about 15.0%, it means that GFRP-reinforced concrete is usually designed for concrete crushing failure while steel-reinforced concrete is typically designed for yield failure.
  • How does GFRP rebar price compare to Steel rebar and Stainless steel rebar?

    GFRP is much less than the cost of stainless steel and steel rebar and also when you consider all the savings due to labor cost, corrosion protection additives, cover concrete and transportation the project cost could be 30%-40% lesser.
  • Why use GFRP instead of steel for reinforced concrete reinforcement?

    GFRP has superior properties to steel in a number of respects. Firstly GFRP never rusts. In addition, GFRP structures have far superior tensile properties, much better corrosion resistance and inherent electromagnetic neutrality. On the other hand, GFRP rebar is a more economical, durable and sustainable solution. As it has no metals in its composition it does not conduct electricity, making it an ideal choice for constructions or structures working with medium and high voltage lines.
  • Can we replace GFRP rebar in ONE to ONE ratio of Steel rebar?

    GFRP is two times stronger, but more flexible than steel rebar and it behave linear elastic to failure, therefore there is no yield point to be determined however the material can take significantly higher load. Engineers must follow the Codes and Standards for GFRP rebar and not for Steel rebar. But in simple structures, it is often practiced to replace Steel rebar with GFRP rebar, which has a different diameter, but the same tensile strength.
    Table of replacement of Steel rebar with GFRP rebar (diameter in mm).
    Steel GFRP
    6 4
    8 6
    10 8
    12 10
    16 12
    18 14
    22 16
    25 18

INSTALLATION

  • How do you transport GFRP rebar?

    GFRP rebar 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 (maybe longer, depends on the length of the truck or trailer). These transportation methods are designed to ensure easy handling and storage of the product during transit. However, it is important to handle and transport GFRP rebar with care to prevent damage or deformation. Proper packaging and securing of the product are essential to ensure that it arrives at its destination in good condition.
  • How to cut GFRP rebar?

    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. Low speed of cutting is recommended for cleaner cuts.
  • Can GFRP rebar be welded?

    In contrast to steel, GFRP rebar cannot be welded, but efficient alternatives do exist. There is ly a lot of ongoing research on the bonding of composite materials by resin-bonding, riveting or bolting together.
  • How to tie GFRP rebar together?

    Tie GFRP rebar with stainless steel or nylon tie wire, you may use heavy-duty zip tie too. If corrosion or electromagnetic field is not a concern you may use uncoated wires too.
  • What methods are used to bind GFRP bars?

    GFRP bars can be bound using plastic clips, knitting wire, or special plastic fix-clips, which are faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods.

TESTING AND GUILDELINES

  • Is Dakshin GFRP rebar tested?

    Dakshin GFRP 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.
  • What are the International Design Guidelines of GFRP rebar?

    There are number of design guidelines available. Here are some well-known: International

    ASTM D7205: "Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Bars";

    ISO 10406: "Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bars — Specification".

    Canada

    CAN/CSA-S806-10, “Design and Construction of Building Components with Fibre-Reinforced Polymers";

    CAN/CSA-S6-06, "Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code";

    CAN/CSA-S807-10 "Specification for fiber-reinforced polymers";

    Design Manual No. 3, "Reinforcing Concrete Structures with Fiber Reinforced Polymers";

    Design Manual No. 4, "FRP Rehabilitation of Reinforced Concrete Structures";

    Design Manual No. 5, "Prestressing Concrete Structures with FRPs";

    Design Guide, "Specifications for FRP Product Certification".

    USA

    ACI 440.1R (2015) "Guide for the Design and Construction of Structural Concrete Reinforced with FRP Bars";

    ACI 440.3R-04 (2004) "Guide for Test Methods for Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) for Reinforcing and Strengthening Concrete Structures";

    ACI 440.5-08 (2008) "Specification for Construction with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Reinforcing Bar";

    ACI 440.6-08 (2008) "Specification for Carbon and Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bar Materials for Concrete".

    Europe

    FIB Bulletin #10: "Bond of reinforcement in concrete";

    FIB Bulletin #40: "FRP reinforcement in RC structures";

    Report #STF 22 A 98741 "Eurocrete Modifications to NS3473 When Using FRP Reinforcement" Norway (1998);

    AASHTO LRFD : "Bridge Design Guide Specifications for GFRP-Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks and Traffic Railings". 1st Edition in 2009.

PROPERTIES

  • What is the resistance of GFRP to Alkali Environment?

    GFRP has tested according to CSA, ASTM & ACI standards for durability criteria, they both retain +90% of ultimate tensile capacity after 2160 hours of direct exposure to an alkali solution with a pH level of 13 at 60 degrees Celsius, in compare to steel, GFRP rebar is much more resistant than the highest grade of stainless steel.
  • How strong is GFRP rebar?

    GFRP rebar tends to be about double that of steel in tension. However, it does have a lower modulus of elasticity which can drive different design requirements.
  • How heavy is GFRP rebar?

    At 1/4th the weight of steel, the weight of GFRP rebar is a big positive! Some ways in which this can work to your advantage: Speed of placement. Lighter weight results in more productivity, which could cut your install time by over 50% depending on the complexity; Safety. Carrying lighter loads can reduce injuries and result in less fatigue, and it poses less of a threat if dropped; Shipping costs are likely to be a source of savings on some projects due to being able to ship more material on every truck. The lighter weight will result beneficial in some applications.
  • What is the minimum operating temperature of GFRP rebar?

    GFRP rebar that comply and meet with CSA, ASTM and ACI standards, which glass transition temperature of above 110 degree Celsius, can be in direct contact to heat of up to 110 degree Celsius without loosing the strength. GFRP at 400 degree Celsius will lose it tensile strength from 1400 MPa to about 650 MPa which is still higher than steel rebar at room temperature.
  • What is the maximum operating temperature of GFRP rebar?

    GFRP rebar that comply and meet with CSA, ASTM and ACI standards, which glass transition temperature of above 110 degree Celsius, can be in direct contact to heat of up to 110 degree Celsius without loosing the strength. GFRP at 400 degree Celsius will lose it tensile strength from 1400 MPa to about 650 MPa which is still higher than steel rebar at room temperature.
  • How does GFRP rebar’s strength depend on the ambient temperature?

    The change in the ambient temperature on the strength of composite reinforcement is practically unaffected. It can be used at temperatures from -70 to +110 degrees Celsius.
  • How do GFRP rebars perform during an earthquake?

    GFRP rebars possess superior fatigue properties, offering higher resistance to cyclical loads of high intensity, making them highly effective during earthquakes.
  • How do GFRP bars behave during a fire?

    GFRP bars are considered fire-resistant as they do not burn directly. Studies indicate that structures reinforced with GFRP maintain their integrity during a fire.

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