GFRP Rebars
Specifications:
| Properties | UOM | Tolerance | IS 18256: 2023 | TSL GFRP Rebar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass Content | % | (+)(-)5 | >=75 | >=80 |
| Tensile Strength | Mpa | min. | 700-850 | 800-1000 |
| Tranverse ShearTensile | Mpa | >=130 | 135-200 Mpa | |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity | Mpa | >=45000 | 45000-55000 | |
| Ultimate tensile Strain | % | >=1.1 | >=1.1 | |
| Glass transition Temperature | oC | >=100 | 101-115 | |
| Moisture Absorption | % | min. | ≤0.25 | ≤0.25 |
Benefits:
Corrosion Resistance
- Unlike steel, GFRP does not rust, making it ideal for marine, coastal, and chemically aggressive environments.
- Increases the lifespan of structures and reduces maintenance costs.
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
- GFRP rebars are 25% the weight of steel but provide comparable tensile strength (~600-1200 MPa)..
- Easier to handle, transport, and install.
Low Carbon Footprint & Sustainable
- Reduces CO₂ emissions compared to steel production
- deal for green and eco-friendly construction projects.
Non-Conductive & Non-Magnetic
- Does not conduct electricity or interfere with electromagnetic waves.
- Suitable for MRI rooms, power plants, and electronic-sensitive structures.
High Fatigue & Impact Resistance
- Can withstand cyclic loading better than steel, making it suitable for bridges and road structures.
- Resistant to sudden shocks and vibrations caused by heavy traffic or seismic activity.
Thermal Expansion Similar to Concrete
- Reduces the risk of cracks caused by differential thermal expansion, unlike steel which expands more than concrete.
- Ensures better bond integrity between rebar and concrete over varying temperatures.
Applications:
Infrastructure & Bridges
It is ideal for bridges and flyovers in coastal or snowy regions for corrosion resistance, and also suits deck slabs, retaining walls, and expansion joints for long-term durability.
Marine & Coastal Structures
It is ideal for ports, docks, and seawalls where saltwater corrosion is a concern, and also suits offshore platforms and underwater tunnels for durable marine performance.
Tunnels & Underground Structures
It is ideal for metro tunnels and railways for its non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant nature, and also used in mines and soil stabilization for lightweight durability underground.
Road & Pavement Construction
It is well-suited for pavements, toll booths, and runways due to its non-conductive nature that prevents radar interference, and is also used in barriers and crash-resistant structures for its high impact strength.
Water Retention & Treatment Plants
It is ideal for substations, nuclear and thermal plants due to its non-conductive, non-magnetic properties, and also suits chemical and pharmaceutical industries where high resistance to acids.
Industrial & Power Plants
It is ideal for electrical substations, nuclear, and thermal power plants due to their non-conductive nature. They also perform well in chemical and pharmaceutical industries where resistance to acidic .
Limitations of GFRP Rebars:
- Higher initial cost than steel (though long-term savings outweigh this).
- Lower shear strength than steel, requiring design modifications.
- Brittle failure mode (unlike ductile steel failure).
- Limited design codes, though ACI 440, CSA S807, and IS codes are evolving.