FAQ
GFRP rebar is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant reinforcing bar made from glass fiber and polymer resin, used as an alternative to steel in concrete reinforcement.
It is used in:
- Bridges, tunnels, marine structures
- Chemical plants and industrial floors
- Coastal constructions, swimming pools
- MRI rooms, nuclear plants (non-magnetic areas)
- Bridges, tunnels, marine structures
- Chemical plants and industrial floors
- Coastal constructions, swimming pools
- MRI rooms, nuclear plants (non-magnetic areas)
✅ 100% corrosion resistance
✅ 4x lighter than steel
✅ High tensile strength
✅ Non-conductive and non-magnetic
✅ Long life with low maintenance
✅ 4x lighter than steel
✅ High tensile strength
✅ Non-conductive and non-magnetic
✅ Long life with low maintenance
Yes. It is approved under:
- IS 17375:2020 (BIS)
- IRC SP-108 (Roads & bridges)
- Used in projects by CPWD, RDSO, and other government bodies.
- IS 17375:2020 (BIS)
- IRC SP-108 (Roads & bridges)
- Used in projects by CPWD, RDSO, and other government bodies.
No. GFRP rebar cannot be bent on-site like steel. It must be pre-bent at the factory as per design requirements.
GFRP has limited fire resistance compared to steel. It softens above 150–200°C. Special fire-resistant resins or coatings can be used if required.
Yes, GFRP has high tensile strength, but lower modulus of elasticity than steel, making it more flexible. It is ideal for corrosion zones and crack control applications.
GFRP rebars can last over 100 years in most environments due to their corrosion-free nature, reducing long-term maintenance costs significantly.
Although the initial cost is higher than steel, the long-term savings from zero corrosion, low maintenance, and longer service life make it very cost-effective.
GFRP rebars are available in 8mm to 32mm diameters. They conform to IS 17375, ASTM D7957, ACI 440, and are supplied in straight, coil, or pre-bent forms.
GFRP rebar cost per meter varies by diameter, grade, and order quantity. While it typically costs more upfront than steel rebar of the same size, lower transport, handling, and zero-corrosion maintenance costs offset the price over the structure's lifetime. Contact us for a quote based on your project specifications.
GFRP rebar cannot be field-bent like steel because bending after curing damages the fibers and resin matrix. Bent shapes (stirrups, L-bars, U-bars) must be factory pre-bent to the exact angle and radius specified in your design drawings.
GFRP rebar is cut on-site using an abrasive cut-off saw, angle grinder with a diamond or fiber-cutting wheel, or a dedicated composite rebar cutter. Avoid impact tools like bolt cutters, which can crush and delaminate the fibers at the cut end.
Lap splice length for GFRP rebar is generally longer than for steel of the same diameter, typically 40-60 times the bar diameter depending on concrete strength, bar surface texture, and design code (ACI 440.1R / IS 17375). Always confirm the exact splice length with your structural engineer.
GFRP rebar used in construction is typically manufactured and tested to ASTM D7957 (specification for GFRP bars), with design guidance from ACI 440.1R and, in Canada, CSA S807. In India, GFRP rebar also conforms to IS 17375:2020.
Yes. GFRP rebar is one of the best-suited reinforcement materials for marine environments because it does not corrode when exposed to saltwater, chlorides, or tidal cycles, unlike steel rebar which rusts and causes concrete spalling in seawalls, docks, and jetties.
GFRP rebar has high tensile strength but behaves elastically (no yielding) compared to steel, so seismic detailing for GFRP-reinforced structures follows specific ductility and confinement provisions in codes like ACI 440.1R. It is commonly used in combination with steel or per project-specific seismic design guidance.
GFRP rebar typically offers tensile strength in the range of 700-1000+ MPa depending on diameter and resin system, which is significantly higher than conventional Fe500 steel rebar, though its elastic modulus is lower than steel.
Yes, GFRP rebar can be used alongside steel rebar in the same project, typically with GFRP in corrosion-prone zones (covers, marine elements, coastal exposure) and steel in other structural elements, provided the mixed design is reviewed by a structural engineer.
GFRP rebar should be stored on flat, supported racks away from direct sunlight and extreme heat, kept dry, and handled carefully to avoid surface damage. Its light weight (about a quarter of steel) makes transport and site handling significantly easier and safer than steel rebar.
