FRP Use Cases

Concrete Susceptible to Corrosion

If moisture is present, then corrosion of steel embedded in the steel reinforced concrete will be an important concern that would require serious attention, since it has extensive financial implications. Damage due to corrosion of rebar may occur in large structures such as residential buildings, bridges, tunnels, due to which these may also become dangerous if appropriate remedial actions are not taken.

• check_circleThe expansion of corrosion products (iron oxides) of carbon steel reinforcement structures may induce mechanical stress that can cause the formation of cracks and disrupt the concrete structure.
• check_circleIf the rebars have been poorly installed and are located too close to the concrete surface in contact with the air, spelling can easily occur: flat fragments of concrete are detached from the concrete mass by the rebar's corrosion and may fall down.
• check_circleWhen reinforcement corrodes, it undergoes a more or less localized dissolution, and it is covered with unstable corrosion products (traditional rust of reddish colour).
• check_circleIn a rather porous and wet concrete, these products migrate through the cover and can stain the concrete surface. But, in the more traditional case, for a relatively dry concrete, the corrosion products swell by highly deforming the cover and under such effect can crack the concrete or make spelling.

Tunneling and Mining

GFRP rebar, which is extremely resistant in the fiber direction but easily cut in the orthogonal direction, also offers advantages when sections of the tunnel are cut into creating cross passages between parallel tunnels, emergency evacuation exits and safety niches.

• check_circleConcrete retaining walls using GFRP as temporary reinforcement, are becoming common worldwide.
• check_circleThe benefits of this solution are not only limited to the assembly works; the material's behavior also enables a simpler demolition / removal with reduced concrete break-out and rebar cutting, enhancing worker safety and accelerating tunnel progress.

Building and Historic Preservation

The development of Civil Engineering should be intimately connected to the innovation in structural materials. The GFRP rebar's can be used for bridge decks & railings, median barriers, roads and slabs on grade, continuously reinforced concrete paving, precast elements, manhole covers, culverts, curbs and parking structures, all sewerage and sanitation members.

Exposure of Concrete to Chemical Environment

Chemical processing industries of all types, as well as wastewater of domestic or industrial origin, constitute major sources of corrosion for steel reinforcement.

Masonry Strengthening

Cracking of masonry walls may occur due to settlement of foundation, during earthquakes, application of lateral loads. There can be several causes for masonry wall cracks, but occurrence of these cracks may lead to complete collapse of wall.

• check_circleUnreinforced masonry walls have good compressive strength, but they are brittle and very weak under the action of lateral loads which causes tension in walls.
• check_circleWhenever tension forces acts on a masonry wall, it tends to crack.
• check_circleStrengthening of masonry walls is required to prevent failure and collapse during major earthquake or addition of extra load on buildings.
• check_circleStrengthening of masonry walls also may be required during rehabilitation of buildings.

Exposure of Concrete to Marine Chlorides

Corrosion of steel reinforcement is a common problem in structures built in or close to seawater.

Exposure of Concrete to High Voltages and Electromagnetic Fields

Using steel bars in applications where low electric conductivity or electromagnetic neutrality is needed often results in complex construction layouts, if such use is possible at all.

Concrete Tanks for Chemical Plants

FRP reinforcement is ideal for concrete tanks used in chemical processing facilities where traditional steel would corrode rapidly.

Construction of Bridges and Tunnels

GFRP rebar provides superior performance in bridge and tunnel construction, especially in corrosive environments and areas with high moisture content.

Flexible Connections

FRP rods offer flexibility in structural connections while maintaining high strength and durability.

Foundations and Floors

Ideal for foundations and floor slabs where moisture and chemical exposure are concerns.

Industrial Engineering

Perfect for industrial facilities requiring corrosion-resistant reinforcement.

Marine and Port Facilities

Excellent for marine structures exposed to saltwater and harsh marine environments.

Pools Construction

Ideal for swimming pools, water parks, and aquatic facilities where constant water exposure would corrode steel.

Power Generation and MRI

Essential for power generation facilities and MRI facilities where electromagnetic neutrality is required.

Railway

Suitable for railway infrastructure including tracks, bridges, and stations.

Restoration Work

Perfect for restoration and rehabilitation projects where non-corrosive reinforcement is essential.

Road Construction

Ideal for road construction, especially in areas with deicing chemicals and high traffic loads.

Strengthening of Coastline

Excellent for coastal protection structures, seawalls, and shoreline reinforcement projects.