Rebar made of glass fibre reinforced polymer is a highly valuable building material. Governments and other large-scale infrastructure providers now recognise that GFRP is an affordable building material with the ability to increase the lifespan of public facilities where corrosion can have a significant negative impact on the economy and the environment. The use of fibreglass reinforcement material has grown significantly as a result of the growth in corrosion caused by climate change.
Numerous minuscule continuous glass fibres are incorporated into a polymeric resin matrix to form a glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar. The fundamental feature of GFRP bars, which have been created for usage in a variety of structural applications, is that they are a non-corrodible substitute for steel reinforcing bar.
High strength and stiffness to weight ratio, chemical resistance, improved control over thermal expansion and damping characteristics, good fatigue qualities, and electromagnetic resistance are further advantages of GFRP bars. Carbon- and Aramid-based fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) are two other popular FRPs (AFRP).
E-glass or S-glass are frequently used as the reinforcing fibres in GFRP, and the resins are chosen based on their cost, strength, rigidity, and long-term stability. The polymer matrix holds the fibres together and transfers stresses between them, while the fibres give the bar its strength and stiffness. Although some items are created with fibres set in numerous orientations, for the best tensile qualities, fibres are oriented in the same longitudinal direction as the bar itself.
A few distinct types of bar surfaces have been generated as a result of the absence of standardised manufacturing processes and the effort to strengthen the bonds between the bars. These include a smooth bar surface, bar surface ribbing (similar to mild steel that has been bent), bar wrapping with helical fibres (either simply attached to the core or wrapped under tension to somewhat distort the bar), and coating the bar surface with coarse sand.
Advantages of GFRP Rebar
• A high-quality vinyl ester resin that resists corrosion and extends the life of a concrete structure is one of the components of GFRP.
• GFRP rebar has twice the tensile strength of steel while weighing only a quarter as much as traditional reinforcement material, such as steel.
Because GFRP rebar is heat- and electricity-resistant, it is a great material for scientific structures and facilities like power plants.
In comparison to epoxy-coated or stainless steel, GFRP rebar is a more affordable product when considering the long-term advantages.
• It may be made in unique lengths, bends, and shapes;
• It is resistant to chloride ions and other chemical components.
Uses
GFRP bars are currently widely used as concrete reinforcement all over the world. Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the field performance of the numerous structures erected to demonstrate the potential for GFRP reinforcement to be employed in other applications. GFRP bars have been used in the construction of marine constructions, parking garages, and bridge decks.
Because of this, it is now necessary to set design guidelines for the usage of GFRP reinforcement. Each country, including the US, EU, Canada, and Japan, has created its own set of design standards. Generally speaking, these recommendations have developed through adjustments to current steel reinforced concrete codes based on experimental testing of the substance.
To assess these structures' appropriateness for specific settings, two case study bridge deck systems with GFRP reinforcement were evaluated. Since GFRP reinforcement is lighter and less corrosive than steel reinforcement, it has gained favour as a substitute for usage in bridge decks. If GFRP manufacture becomes more widely commercialised in the future, the currently high costs associated with building with GFRP reinforcement are anticipated to decline.
Market Size
Market Size: USD 171.3 Million in 2020; Market Growth: 13.2% CAGR; Market Trends: escalating need for FRP rebars in waterfront construction and maritime constructions
According to the most recent report by Emergen Research, the global fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) rebar market size reached USD 171.3 Million in 2020 and is projected to grow at a 13.2 percent revenue CAGR over the forecast period. Increasing government spending on construction and maintenance in emerging nations, along with an increase in the use of FRP rebar in building projects, are some of the main drivers propelling the expansion of the global fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) rebar market.
In the near future, rising demand for FRP rebars in waterfront construction and maritime constructions is anticipated to further boost market revenue growth. Inadequate climatic conditions, steel corrosion, abrasions, and sulphate reactions can severely damage marine structures.
The market for FRP rebar is anticipated to reach $1.1 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 12.1% from 2020 to 2025. In concrete reinforcement, fibre reinforced polymer rebar, often known as FRP rebar, is a non-corrosive substitute for steel rebar. It is made up of two components: a matrix resin and a fibre. Typically, carbon, aramid, basalt, or glass are utilised as the fibre, while polyester, epoxy, or vinyl ester make up the matrix resin. A spiral-wrapped fibreglass rod known as FRP rebar is lightweight and convenient.
Industry Major Market Players:
· Composite Group Chelyabinsk
· Schöck Bauteile GmbH
· Dextra Group
· Pultron Composites
· Pultrall Inc.
· Owens Corning
· Sireg Geotech S.r.l.
· Kodiak Fiberglass Rebar LLC