F.A.Q.

What is FRP rebar?

The term FRP bar refers to Fibre Reinforced Polymer rebar or sometimes it’s called fibre-reinforced plastic. FRP Rebar is an alternative to steel reinforcement in concrete structures. Such rebars are made of continuous aramid fiber (AFRP), carbon fiber (CFRP), glass fiber (GFRP) or basalt fiber (BFRP) embedded in resin matrix.

Is FRP a new material?

No, FRP exists in the market since the 2nd world war. Its quality improved a lot since.

Is FRP better than steel?

Steel reinforcement of concrete has been used for many years, however, its primary shortcoming is that it is easily corroded, and corrosion results in structural failure. Recently, the use of FRP bars as internal reinforcement for concrete structures in aggressive environments has arisen as an inventive solution to eliminate steel corrosion problems. FRP rebar has an advantage over steel, since it is closer to the modulus of concrete. Also, a concrete structure reinforced with FRP rebars does not react to the chloride-rich environment. In addition, GFRP bars have recently gained wide acceptance as a viable construction material for sustainable new constructions due to their costing less than other FRP types.

What is GFRP made of?

The basic raw materials for fiberglass products are a variety of natural minerals and manufactured chemicals. The major ingredients are silica sand, limestone, and soda ash. Other ingredients may include calcined alumina, borax, feldspar, nepheline syenite, magnesite, and kaolin clay, among others.

Are GFRP bars considered combustible?

Fiberglass is non-combustible. It simply won’t burn. If a fire gets hot enough, it will just melt. However, fiberglass batts that are covered with Kraft paper or a foil facing are combustible.

Is FRP flammable?

FRP material is not flammable you may check about it on OSHA. No FRP is flammable. Due to this reason, almost all the industrial sectors are using the fibreglass reinforced polymer over the conventional steel.

What about the thermal and electrical conductivity of the FRP rebar?

FRP bars are non-conductive material in terms of both thermal and electrical conductivity. Hence, you can keep your structure eco-friendly by using our bars.

Is FRP eco-friendly?

FRP/GRP products are an eco-friendly alternative to many traditional materials. Choosing FRP/GRP products is an environmentally responsible choice. FRP/GRP has low embodied energy. … As a good insulator against heat and cold, FRP/GRP helps conserve energy while reducing operating costs.

How can I cut this FRP rebar?

This bar can be cut with a manual rebar cutter; bolt cutters; grinder or Sawzall cut rebar. In the absence of these tool, however, rebar can be cut with a hack saw.

Can I bend this FRP rebar?

This rebar cannot be bent after the curing cycle.  All bends need to be fabricated in our manufacturing plant in China.

How can engineers design a structure using FRP bars?

At the end of the ACI 440.1R-15 guideline, there are many structural calculation samples for different structural elements. Also, our engineering team can assist you with the conversion of steel drawings to FRP.

How long does it take to have the FRP delivered to our job site?

The most usable diameters of GFRP straight rebars are ready for shipping to your site. For the bent rebars, it takes around 2-3 weeks for production based on the required quantity. Shipping time is usually 3-4 weeks.

What is the maximum diameter FRP you can fabricate?

Our plants in china can provide you with all alternative diameters for steel rebars from #2 (6mm) up to #10 (32mm) bent and straight GFRP bars.

What shapes of FRP do you have available?

All common shapes can be fabricated in our plants. As it is shown on our website, we can fabricate L-shape; U-shape; Z-shape, stirrups; spirals; hooks, as well as specific shapes based on our client request.

Can FRP rebar material be used in buildings, in earthquake risk areas?

The use of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) as construction materials is gaining acceptance in the construction industry. The primary reason for this increase is the superior performance of FRP reinforcement in corrosive environments, its long term durability, high tensile strength-to-weight ratio, electromagnetic neutrality and resistance to chemical attacks.

During recent earthquakes, many structural collapses were initiated or caused by beam-column joint failures.The use of FRP bars as reinforcement for beam and column is still a concept with limited experimental and analytical information for beam and columns. Indeed, FRP reinforced concrete structures may be lacking the required ductility for which the majority of conventional steel reinforced concrete structures are designed so that they can dissipate seismic induced energy in the event of a strong earthquake.

Because of these shortcomings, the current codes and standards, including the CSA S608-02 (2002), ISIS Manual (2001) and ACI 440 (2006), have severe limitations for structural use of internally placed FRP reinforcement, especially for seismically active regions. The code allows for the use of FRP rebar in beams and columns in high-earthquake areas, but with some limitations. We recommend that you use FRP in slabs, foundations and so on.