ADVANCING TOWARDS A CORROSION-FREE FUTURE WITH GFRP A MATERIAL OF CHOICE PART 4

This is Part 4 of a five-part series.

… continued from Part 3.

Demonstration of fibreglass rebar strength

Hajimiragha proceeded to dispel common misconceptions about fibreglass rebar by presenting a video demonstration. The video showcased a test involving a 5.5m span of HIGH Concrete, reinforced with fibreglass rebar. Two pieces of number 5 fibreglass rebar were subjected to cyclic loading at 2Hz, with the top load reaching 110 kilonewtons, equivalent to 1.7 times the service load. After two million cycles, the fibreglass-reinforced structure displayed minimal deformation and no signs of failure. In comparison, the same test conducted with steel rebar resulted in failure after less than 20 000 cycles. This striking demonstration emphasised the durability and fatigue resistance of fibreglass rebar, challenging preconceived notions about its brittleness.

Transitioning to real-world applications, Hajimiragha showcased several projects where fibreglass rebar, specifically MSD rebar, had been successfully employed. He highlighted heavy civil works, such as tunnels with large-diameter rebars, reinforcing everything from vertical bars to circular bars for sewers. The presentation included visuals of significant infrastructure projects, including bridges, pier caps, columns, and retaining walls, where fibreglass rebar replaced traditional steel reinforcement. The transformative impact was emphasised, as the absence of steel eliminated corrosion concerns, offering a long-term solution.

Addressing sustainability concerns, the speaker pointed out that the use of fibreglass rebar contributes to lower long-term maintenance costs and minimises environmental impact. He underscored the economic benefit of eliminating the need for extensive corrosion prevention measures, emphasising the material’s role in supporting a clearer environment.

Key advantages summarised:

• Corrosion resistance: The material’s resistance to corrosion ensures longevity and reduces maintenance costs
• Lightweight: Fibreglass rebar is significantly lighter, easing labour and transportation concerns
• High bond strength: New generations of fibreglass rebar, like MSD bar, exhibit three times higher bond strength to concrete
• Easy fabrication: The fabrication process requires less energy, with efficient cutting achievable using a diamond blade
• Fire rating: Contrary to misconceptions, fibreglass rebar has achieved over three hours of fire rating in buildings
• High tensile strength: Fibreglass rebar boasts a guaranteed tensile strength of 145 ksi, significantly higher than traditional steel
• Fatigue resistance: The material demonstrates superior fatigue resistance compared to steel
• Economical curing: Fibreglass rebar supports economical curing, reducing the demand for clean water resources
• Non-conductive: The material’s non-conductive nature eliminates the need for grounding
• Sustainability: The production process is environmentally friendly, contributing to a greener industry

Continued in Part 5…