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Full analysis of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) bars
1、 Essence and core characteristics of materials
Fiberglass reinforced plastic (GFRP) is a composite material made of glass fiber as a reinforcement and resin (such as epoxy resin and vinyl resin) as a matrix, which is produced through extrusion or winding processes. Its core advantages include:
Lightweight and high-strength
The density is only 1/4 of steel bars (1.5~1.9g/cm ⊃3;), but the tensile strength can reach 2~4 times that of HRB400 steel bars (some products have a tensile strength exceeding 1000MPa).
The elastic modulus is about 40GPa, which is lower than that of steel bars, but deformation control can be optimized through structural design.
Excellent corrosion resistance
Resistant to chloride ions, acid and alkali, and seawater corrosion, suitable for corrosive environments such as chemical plants and coastal defense projects, with a lifespan far exceeding traditional steel.
Resistant to carbonization and freeze-thaw, reducing maintenance costs.
Functional diversity
Non magnetic/non-conductive: suitable for special scenarios such as nuclear power plants and medical MRI rooms.
Good thermal stability: The coefficient of thermal expansion is close to that of concrete, and the bonding strength is stronger.
Strong wave transmission performance: no demagnetization treatment required, suitable for facilities such as radar stations.
Construction convenience
Customizable shape and length, easy on-site binding, reducing labor intensity.
Lightweight, easy to handle and install.
2、 Application Fields and Typical Cases
civil engineering
Excavation support: Replace steel cage to avoid the risk of shield tunneling machine breaking and reduce mud and water inrush accidents.
Bridges and tunnels: reduce structural weight, enhance durability, and lower maintenance costs.
Road reinforcement: used for pavement and bridge deck paving to improve bearing capacity.
marine engineering
Dock/offshore platform: resistant to seawater corrosion, extending service life.
Breakwater: Resists seawater erosion and reduces maintenance frequency.
Chemical Industry and Environmental Protection
Wastewater treatment plant: resistant to chemical erosion, ensuring structural safety.
Electrolytic cell: resistant to acid and alkali corrosion, improving equipment lifespan.
Green Building
Energy saving buildings: reduce material consumption and conform to the low-carbon trend.
Restoration of historical buildings: providing structural support without damaging the original appearance.
Special environment
Military engineering: impact resistant, corrosion-resistant, suitable for concealed facilities.
Medical facilities: Non magnetic materials to avoid interference with precision equipment.
3、 Market Status and Development Trends
market size
It is expected that the global market size will reach 450 million US dollars by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%.
The Asia Pacific region (especially China and India) has the fastest growth in infrastructure demand.
Main producers
Mateenbar, MRG Composites, and other companies occupy approximately 56% of the market share, while domestic enterprises such as Sinoma Technology are gradually rising.
Driving factors
Policy support: Green building and environmentally friendly material policies drive demand.
Cost optimization: Improving production processes to reduce material costs.
Performance improvement: The application of high-strength and high modulus fibers expands the application fields.
Technology Trends
Low cost production: Developing continuous extrusion technology to improve production efficiency.
Performance optimization: Improve the elastic modulus (target above 50GPa) and develop high-temperature resistant resins.
Intelligent materials: Integrated sensors to achieve structural health monitoring.
4、 Standards and specifications
international standard
FIB stipulates that the tensile strength of GFRP reinforcement shall be ≥ 1000MPa, and the elastic modulus shall be 40-55GPa.
The chemical corrosion resistance test requires a strength loss of ≤ 10%.
American Standard
The ACI 440 series requires a design strength reduction factor of 0.5-0.6 and a chemical corrosion resistance test (strength loss ≤ 10%).
Chinese standards
JGJ/T 336-2016 stipulates that the short-term ultimate tensile strength of GFRP reinforcement shall be ≥ 1000MPa, and the thickness of concrete protective layer shall be ≥ 20mm (Class I environment).
JG/T 406-2013 specifies that the tensile strength is ≥ 550MPa and the shear strength is ≥ 110MPa.
5、 Future prospects
Intelligent building
Integrated fiber optic sensors for real-time monitoring of structural stress and strain, enhancing safety.
Extreme Environmental Engineering
Applied in deep-sea, polar and other scenarios, utilizing corrosion-resistant and lightweight properties.
circular economy
Develop recyclable resin matrix to enhance material sustainability.
cost competitiveness
By scaling up production and technological innovation, costs can be reduced to within 1.5 times that of steel bars, accelerating the substitution process.
6、 Challenges and Countermeasures
Cost issue
The current cost is about 2-3 times that of steel bars, and it needs to be reduced through policy subsidies and large-scale production.
Connection technology
Develop specialized anchors and connectors to ensure structural integrity.
Long term performance data
Strengthen actual engineering monitoring, accumulate performance data for more than 20 years, and enhance market confidence.
Fiberglass reinforcement, with its unique performance advantages, is gradually evolving from a "substitute material" to a "mainstream material", providing safer, more durable, and environmentally friendly solutions for the engineering field. With the advancement of technology and cost optimization, its application prospects will become even broader.