Fiberglass rebar is a revolutionary way for builders and architects to increase a building’s longevity, lower costs and improve sustainability. Using this material over traditional steel rebar is the best way to reinforce concrete while meeting modern sustainability standards.
What Is Fiberglass Rebar?
Fiberglass rebar is made from a glass-fiber-reinforced polymer material that is impossible to separate from the concrete poured around it. Once a piece is secured in cured concrete, the concrete would have to be cracked open to release the rebar.
Concrete fiberglass rebar is refining industry standards for reinforcement in ICF blocks due to its updated design, which improves stability and durability.
What Is Traditional Steel Rebar?
Traditional steel rebar is the current industry standard. Steel rebar has been the go-to choice for reinforcing concrete because of its strength and availability. However, the advantages of steel rebar don’t seem so significant when compared to fiberglass rebar.
Advantages of Fiberglass Rebar
The biggest advantages fiberglass rebar has over steel rebar are corrosion resistance, longevity and ease of handling.
Corrosion Resistance
One of the weaknesses of steel rebar is that it’s susceptible to corrosion. Fiberglass is corrosion-resistant and won’t rust because it’s made of a glass polymer material. It remains strong in any weather and resists damage from salt, chemicals, and harsh environmental conditions.
With severe weather events becoming more common, buildings must be built with materials that can withstand extreme conditions now and in the future. Fiberglass rebar gives a building’s concrete the stability and durability needed to withstand extreme weather, making it a great option for builders and architects specializing in coastal buildings or areas prone to severe storms and wildfires.
Weight and Ease of Handling
Fiberglass rebar is significantly lighter than steel, offering a game-changing advantage for builders. Weighing up to four times less, it reduces transportation costs and simplifies handling on-site.
Once the rebar is on-site, crews can install it quicker and easier because its special rib design simply locks it into place (see image below). This reduces labor costs, keeps crew members happier and can reduce the risk of injury to workers.
Source: SuperForm
Longevity and Maintenance
Another advantage is that it’s easy to maintain and has better durability than steel rebar. The structural integrity won’t be compromised by rust, weather or any outside elements.
Fiberglass also has better fatigue resistance than steel rebar, so it is less likely to develop weaknesses over time. Once the fiberglass rebar is locked in place with the innovative rib design, it won’t shift, move or lose its integrity.
Sustainability
Looking at environmental factors, fiberglass rebar’s manufacturing process produces much less carbon emissions than the steel industry, making it a greener solution. Plus, because it’s lightweight, trucks can carry four times more product to save on transportation emissions.
Comparing Performance
From durability needs to location considerations to budget restraints, every building project has different needs. When deciding which type of rebar is the best for a particular project, consider the following factors.
Strength and Durability
When comparing tensile strength, fiberglass has a strength ranging between 1,275-10,000MPa while steel steel has a lower strength of 450MPa. This means that fiberglass rebar can withstand much more tension than steel rebar.
Resistance to Environmental Factors
While both are designed to endure outside elements, fiberglass rebar has more inherent strength — this allows it to be used in more locations with unpredictable weather.
While steel rebar would be a fine choice for standard builds in dry, low-wind climates, fiberglass rebar is much more resistant to corrosion from the weather, salt, chemicals and atmospheric conditions.
These qualities make it a better option in wet climates or locations that experience heavy storms or winds, giving building owners peace of mind that their structure is built to endure.
Cost Considerations
Comparing the cost of these two types of rebar means looking at the short and long-term costs associated with each material.
While steel and fiberglass rebar are competitive in upfront costs, the savings from reduced transportation and lower future repair expenses make fiberglass a smarter long-term investment for building projects.
Longevity
When it comes to longevity, fiberglass rebar wins again. Its high tensile strength and resistance to corrosion allow it to withstand long-term stressors, such as extreme weather, far better than steel rebar.
Discover SuperForm’s Superior Fiberglass Rebar Solution
If you are looking to switch out steel rebar for fiberglass rebar, look no further than SuperForm’s MST-BAR.
When comparing it to steel, our MST-BAR will never corrode, is three times stronger, is ¼ of the weight and has a bond strength to concrete three times the amount as steel.
See for yourself why our MST-BAR is the choice of industry leaders who are committed to finding sustainable, innovative and highly durable building materials that can meet the changing needs of the construction industry.
Our team at SuperForm can help you find the best solution for your next residential or commercial project. Contact us today!