Fiberglass reinforcement is widely used in construction in the West, while its use in the domestic industry is not widespread. However, in Lately The popularity of this material is growing, the reason for this is the many operational advantages compared to traditional rolled metal.

This article presents fiberglass reinforcement (FRP). We'll consider specifications, advantages and disadvantages, standard sizes and use of composite reinforcement.

1 Assortment and GOST standards

Non-metallic composite reinforcement was developed back in the USSR in the 60s, but mass production of the material was never established due to the high cost of fiberglass at that time. However, composite reinforcement was used in the construction of several large objects, including power lines in Batumi, Moscow and bridges in Khabarovsk.

To date, there is no GOST standard with technical requirements for this material (the project is under development). Main normative act is SNiP No. 52-01-2003 "Composite reinforcement", according to which fiberglass products can be used in construction as a replacement for rolled metal. Each manufacturer has specifications for its products, along with which test reports and approval certificates are supplied.

Composite reinforcement is produced in the diameter range of 4-20 mm. The profile of the rods can be corrugated or smooth. Depending on the material of manufacture, the following types of non-metallic products are distinguished:

• ASP - fiberglass reinforcement, made from fiberglass bound with a layer of synthetic resin;
• ABP - basalt-plastic products, in which the fiberglass core is replaced by a melt of basalt fibers;
• ASPET - products made of fiberglass and polymer thermoplastic;
• AUP - carbon fiber reinforcement.

The most common in construction are ASP and ABP; carbon fiber reinforcement is used less frequently due to lower mechanical strength material.

1.1 Areas of application

Application of sp. reinforcement in construction is practiced in the construction of residential, public and industrial buildings, as well as low-rise buildings, where ASP is used for:

• reinforcement iron concrete structures(walls and floor slabs);
• repair of surfaces of brick and reinforced concrete objects;
• layer-by-layer masonry of walls using flexible connection technology;
• all types (slab, strip, column);
• strengthening walls and aerated concrete blocks and installing monolithic reinforced belts.

The use of sp. is widespread. fittings and in the field of road and railway construction, in which ASP is used:

• when constructing embankments and road surfaces;
• when strengthening road slopes;
• during the construction of bridges;
• when strengthening coastlines.

Composite polymer reinforcement for reinforcing concrete structures is completely resistant to corrosion and chemically aggressive substances, which significantly expands the scope of its application.

1.2 Advantages of TSA

Composite reinforcement has the following operational advantages:

Disadvantages of s.p. reinforcement - low modulus of elasticity (4 times less than that of steel), which limits the possibility of its use in vertical reinforcement, and a tendency to lose strength when heated above 600 degrees. Please note that composite The reinforcement is not subject to bending under conditions construction site — if it is necessary to use bent elements, they must be ordered separately from the manufacturer.

2 Comparison of ASP and metal analogues

We bring to your attention a comparison of the technical characteristics of composite and steel reinforcement.

Type of fittings	Metal	Fiberglass (FRP)
Material of manufacture	Steel grade 25G2S or 35 GS	Fiberglass bonded with synthetic resin
Weight	7.9 kg/m 3	1.9 kg/m 3
360	1200
Modulus of elasticity (MPa)	200 000	55 000
Relative extension (%)	24	2.3
Stress-strain relationship	Curved line with yield plateau	Straight line with elastic-linear dependence until destruction
Linear expansion (mm/m)	14-15	9-11
Resistance to corrosive environments	Low, susceptible to rust	High, does not rust
Thermal conductivity of materials (W/mK)	47	0.46
Electrical conductivity	Present	Dielectric
Diameters	6-80 mm	4-20 mm
Measured length	6-12 m	Arbitrary length according to customer's request

Let's consider a comparison of interchangeable diameters of composite and metal products using the example of rods:

• A3 6 mm - ASP 4 mm;
• A3 8 mm - ASP 6 mm;
• A3 10 mm - ASP 8 mm;
• A3 12 mm - ASP 8 mm;
• A3 14 mm - ASP 10 mm;
• A3 16 mm - ASP 12 mm.

2.1 Overview of fiberglass reinforcement (video)

3 Technology for the production of composite products

Fiberglass reinforcement is made from roving (fibers of the original raw material), a binder material - polymer resin, a hardener and a hardening accelerator. The specific ratio of materials depends on temperature regime and humidity inside the production area.

Read also: what is the difference between reinforcement and what are its parameters?

The production line includes the following equipment:

1. Heating hopper - this is where the fibers are heated to increase adhesion to the resin.
2. Impregnation bath - the roving is impregnated with a mixture of resin and hardeners.
3. Wrapper - presses raw materials through dies, through which rods of a given diameter are formed.
4. Equipment for applying sand, where sand granules are evenly distributed over the surface of the rod, and excess is removed by air flow.
5. A polymerization furnace, where the rods gain their design strength.
6. Equipment for cooling products is a 3-5 meter long line located at the outlet of the polymerization furnace.
7. Broaching equipment, cutting mechanism and installation for winding coils - finished fiberglass reinforcement is cut into sections of the required length or wound into commercial coils 50-100 m long.

There are many on the market standard solutions, including all necessary equipment. The cost of a new line varies between 3-5 million rubles.

Medium productivity equipment is capable of producing up to 15,000 m of reinforcement during a working day.

Reinforced concrete structures are traditionally reinforced with a metal rod, but it is becoming more and more popular Alternative option– fiberglass reinforcement. It replaces steel due to its high performance and technical characteristics. The growing popularity of plastic fittings is also explained by their low price compared to their metal counterparts.

Description

The production and characteristics of the so-called composite reinforcement for concrete monoliths and structures are regulated by GOST 31938-2012 developed according to ISO 10406-1:2008. A high-strength carbon thread is wound onto a base made of specially prepared fiberglass. It improves adhesion to concrete due to its spiral profile.

The main element of the composite fiberglass reinforcement is a barrel made of strong fibers arranged parallel to each other, united by a polymer resin sintered at high temperature. The barrel is covered with a fibrous structure applied by spraying or winding in two directions.

According to SNiP 52-01-2003, the use of modern fiberglass reinforcement is possible as a full replacement for metal reinforcement. Each manufacturer indicates technical specifications for its products, which can be used in walls, ceilings, basements and other concrete structures. It is mandatory to provide quality certificates based on examinations and test reports in laboratories.

Kinds

Fiberglass reinforcement is classified according to the types of materials used in production. These are non-metallic raw materials of mineral or artificial origin. The industry offers the following types:

• Glass composite (FRP) is a heat-treated mixture of longitudinally located fiberglass and polymer resins.
• Basalt reinforcement or basalt composite (BCP) is made from basalt fibers interconnected by organic resins.
• Carbon fiber reinforcement or carbon composite (AUK) reinforcement has increased strength and is made from hydrocarbon compounds. It is more expensive than composite.
• Aramidocomposite (AAC) is based on polyamide fibers like nylon threads.
• Combined composite (ACC) - based on a fiberglass rod, onto which basalt plastic is tightly wound. This type is not basalt-plastic reinforcement, which is what it is confused with, since it has a fiberglass rod.

Index	TSA	BPO	AUK	AAK
Tensile strength, MPa	800-1000	800-1200	1400-2000	1400
Tensile modulus of elasticity, GPa	45-50	50-60	130-150	70
Ultimate compressive strength, MPa	300	300	300	300
Ultimate strength at transverse cut, MPa	150	150	350	190

Manufacturers offer big choice fiberglass reinforcement in thickness. This makes it possible to make both a thin mesh of 4 mm and a strong reinforcing frame with a diameter of 32 mm for load-bearing structures. It is supplied in the form of cut rods or coils up to 100 m long.

This material is available in two types of profiles:

• Conditionally smooth. Made from a main rod coated with a layer of fine quartz sand, which improves adhesion to the concrete mixture;
• Periodic. It is made of a rod onto which a fiberglass strand is tightly wound, resulting in anchor ribs appearing on the rod that securely hold it in the thickness of the concrete.

Advantages and disadvantages

Fiberglass rebar is a new building material that is gaining popularity and has characteristics that allow it to be used for load-bearing structures. Its advantages include:

• Corrosion resistance. Fiberglass can be used in aggressive environments. According to this indicator, this material is 10 times superior to metal.
• Low thermal conductivity of 0.35 W/m∙⁰С, which makes it possible to increase the thermal insulation of a concrete monolith and eliminates the risk of cold bridges. For comparison, the thermal conductivity of steel is 46 W/m∙⁰С.
• High resistivity allows its use in the construction of bridges, railway structures, power lines and other structures where there is a risk of electric shock at high voltage.
• Small specific gravity, which allows reducing the pressure of structures on the surface of the soil and foundation. The average density of this material is 1.9 kg/m³, and that of steel is four times higher - 7.9 kg/m³.
• The cost of reinforcement with fiberglass is almost 2 times lower than with metal rods.
• Application in wide range temperatures It does not lose its properties at temperatures from -60 to +90⁰С.
• Unlike metal, fiberglass has a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to concrete, so a monolith with such reinforcement does not crack during temperature changes.
• No reinforcing mesh is required for installation. welding machine, it is enough to connect it with plastic harnesses and clamps.

Like any material, polymer reinforcement based on fiberglass has disadvantages that are taken into account during operation:

• Insufficient resistance of fiberglass to high temperatures; the resins used to bind the fibers ignite at a temperature of 200⁰C. For private houses or utility rooms This is not a problem, but at an industrial facility where the concrete monolith must be fireproof, the use of this reinforcement is unacceptable.

• Almost 4 times lower elastic modulus compared to steel.
• When preparing the mesh, bend the composite under the right angle It is almost impossible, due to low fracture strength, such elements have to be ordered from the factory.
• One of the disadvantages of fiberglass composite reinforcement is that it does not allow for rigid reinforcement, and its strength decreases slightly over time.

Characteristics

Composite reinforcement is assessed according to technical parameters. This material has a relatively low density. Therefore, the weight of a linear meter of fiberglass reinforcement, depending on the diameter, is from 20 to 420 g.

Plastic fittings has a constant winding pitch of 15 mm. This is the optimal value so that when minimum cost material, provide high level adhesion with concrete mortar.

Technical characteristics of fiberglass reinforcement are summarized in the table:

Density (kg/m³)	1.9
1200
Modulus of elasticity (MPa)	55 000
Relative extension (%)	2.3
Stress-strain relationship	Straight line with elastic-linear dependence until destruction
Linear expansion (mm/m)	9-11
Resistance to corrosive environments	High, does not rust
Thermal conductivity (W/m⁰С)	0.35
Electrical conductivity	Dielectric
Diameter (mm)	4-32
Length	Arbitrary length according to customer's request

Features of production and installation

Any type of fiberglass reinforcement is made from raw fibers bound with polymer resins, to which a hardener and hardening accelerator are added. All components are determined by manufacturers depending on the technologies used, the type and purpose of the elements that will be reinforced with manufactured fiberglass reinforcement.

The material is produced on special production lines. First, the fiberglass is impregnated with resin, hardener and reaction accelerator. After this, it is passed through a die, where the excess resin is squeezed out. Here the fiberglass is compacted and takes on a shape - conventionally smooth or with anchor ribs and a technologically specified diameter.

On next stage Composite fiberglass reinforcement is knitted - additional winding in the form of a rope is wound onto it to increase adhesion. After this, it is sent to the oven, where the polymer resins and hardener are set. The resulting products are placed into coils or cut into rods of the required length.

The rods are fastened with plastic clamps or clamps. The edge of the reinforcing mesh should retreat from the formwork by 50 mm, which will create a protective layer of concrete. This is done using improvised means or plastic clips. If the rod protrudes beyond the formwork, it must be cut with a hacksaw or a grinder with a diamond or abrasive wheel.

It is impossible to bend fiberglass reinforcement on the site without special equipment. After the force stops acting on the rod, it returns to its original shape. If you soften it with temperature and still bend it, it will lose its design characteristics. The only way out is to order pre-curved fiberglass elements from the factory, in which case they will fully meet the technical and operational requirements.

Conclusion

Composite reinforcement may well replace traditional metal construction. She is superior steel reinforcement in many ways. It is used in the construction of walls, foundations and other structural elements made of blocks and bricks, it is increasingly used to reinforce solid concrete monoliths.

The use of fiberglass composite reinforcement significantly reduces the weight of structural elements, which allows additional savings on the foundation. Restrictions on the use of this material include the requirements fire safety on separate industrial enterprises, in other cases it is the best alternative metal.

Thanks to reinforcement, it acquires increased strength and durability. Previously, exclusively metal rods tied together into a frame were used as reinforcement, but now plastic or composite reinforcement frames have appeared on sale. These products are made from basalt, carbon or glass fibers with the addition of polymer resins. Plastic fittings, the pros and cons of which will be discussed below, are produced according to the requirements international standard, which are worth studying in more detail.

Forms of release of plastic fittings

Standard 31938-2012, regulating technical requirements, related to polymer reinforcing products, defines elements of this type as solid rods round section. The rods consist of a base, a filler and a binding component.

Composite reinforcement is produced in the form of rods with a cross-section from 4 to 32 mm. Such products are sold either cut or in bundles or coils up to 100 m long.

There are two types of plastic profile:

• Periodic – corrugated rods produced by the spiral winding method.
• Conditionally smooth. In this case, fiberglass rods are sprinkled with quartz sand, due to which finished goods have better adhesive properties.

Important! its parameters must necessarily comply with GOST 30247.0-94 for fire resistance and GOST 30403-2012 for fire safety.

To determine whether it is worth using composite materials instead of metal ones, consider the pros and cons of fiberglass reinforcement.

Advantages of composite reinforcement

The advantages of fiberglass products compared to metal counterparts include:

• Light weight. For reinforcement with plastic rods, rods of a smaller cross-section are used, due to which total weight design is reduced by almost half. For example, a fiberglass rod with a diameter of 8 mm will weigh only 0.07 kg/l m, while a metal rod with the same cross-section weighs 0.395 kg/l m. Due to the lower weight, plastic products can be transported even in a passenger car, whereas for metal fittings you will need a heavy-duty machine.

• Corrosion resistance. Fiberglass products do not oxidize and are not affected by moisture.
• Dielectric indicators. Composite rods are radiotransparent dielectrics that are inert to electricity and radio waves. That is why plastic reinforcement is considered the best material for construction. medical centers, laboratories and other specialized facilities.
• Chemical resistance. Aggressive components such as: concrete laitance, bitumen, sea ​​water, solvent or salt compositions, have an effect over time negative impact on metal profiles. In turn, composite materials remain inert to such “neighborhood”.
• Temperature Range. Composites can be used in conditions from -60 to +120 degrees.
• High thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity index of fiberglass is 47 W/m*K, and that of metal is 0.5 W/m*K.
• Increased strength indicators. The tensile strength of the composite material is significantly higher than that of metal product. With the same diameter, plastic reinforcement can withstand 3-4 times more longitudinal loads.
• Long service life. Manufacturers of composite materials claim that such reinforcement will last more than 150 years. It is not yet possible to verify this, but the record recorded service life of a plastic reinforced frame was 40 years.
• Installation speed. Fiberglass rods are quickly cut with an ordinary grinder and tied using plastic clamps.

In addition, due to increased elasticity, plastic products are produced in almost any length.

However, we will not rush to conclusions regarding which fittings are better. To be fair, it is also worth considering negative sides fiberglass rods for reinforcement of monolithic concrete buildings.

Disadvantages of composite reinforcement

Among the disadvantages of composite materials used when laying reinforcement, the following are highlighted:

• Low bending elasticity. Due to the fact that plastic elements have a low elastic modulus, this can lead to deformation of the concrete structure. Elements that bend well are difficult to use. For comparison, the modulus of elasticity of a composite is 55,000 MPa, while for plastic this figure reaches 200,000 MPa.
• Small range of sizes. Today, when choosing steel reinforcement, consumers are offered a greater variety of products of different sections.
• Lack of SNiPs. Although fiberglass products are standardized according to GOST, another regulatory framework For building elements this type does not exist. Based on this, the process of designing objects becomes more complicated, since making calculations is still quite problematic.
• Inability to use in some regions. Plastic products It is not recommended for use in the construction of facilities in areas where temperatures are too low in winter.
• Instability. complicated by the poor stability of plastic rods. The structure begins to wobble, so you have to resort to “tricks” to fix the frame before pouring the concrete mixture.
• Quite a high cost of the material. Fiberglass will cost 2 times more than its steel counterparts.

Speaking about plastic fittings, its pros and cons, many consider the disadvantages of these products to be such things as: the inability to use welding equipment and low resistance to heat. However, in reality, welding is practically not used when assembling a reinforced frame. The theory about the instability of the material to high temperatures is equally absurd. Fiberglass completely loses its properties when heated above 600 degrees, but not every concrete is able to withstand such temperatures.

Based on the above, it becomes obvious that when reinforcing concrete structures, in order to determine which reinforcement is more suitable - metal or fiberglass, you need to clarify for what purpose you need a reinforced frame. On the one hand, the latest composite materials clearly benefit, but from a cost point of view, it may be more profitable to purchase steel products.

Non-metallic composite reinforcement is a reinforcing agent in the form of fiberglass rods with a ribbed surface. In profile, such reinforcement has a spiral shape, and its diameter can range from 4 to 18 millimeters. The length of this building material can reach 12 meters.

Appearance of polymer rods.

Fiberglass reinforcement has undergone many serious tests before its mass introduction into the market. As a result, such studies have established that this building material has a number of advantages, such as:

• Low weight, which is 9 times lower than the weight of classical metal reinforcement;
• High resistance to corrosion and acids;
• Excellent performance in terms of energy efficiency;
• Cost-effective delivery;
• Inertness to electromagnetic and radio influences;
• Fiberglass reinforcement is classified as dielectric.

Of course, in addition to the advantages, this building material has certain disadvantages. Such shortcomings cannot be considered critical, but they are important to take into account when constructing certain types of buildings.

Disadvantages of composite reinforcement:

• Low elasticity;
• Low heat resistance parameters.

Moreover, such shortcomings of the material do not in any way affect its use in the construction of roads and building foundations.

Using this technology in foundation construction (advantages, disadvantages, method of application)

In the process of laying a foundation, composite reinforcement is used in the same way as metal reinforcement. At the first stage, the frame of the future foundation is assembled from this material, which is subsequently tightened with special ties.

Manufacturers of fiberglass reinforcement themselves do not impose any restrictions on its use for certain types of foundations. In other words, such material can be freely used for the construction of any low-rise buildings.

According to minimal estimates, the service life of such polymer elements is at least 80 years. It should be noted that this building material costs a little more than conventional metal rods, while certain funds can be saved during its delivery due to its much lower weight.

Exist various methods and construction conditions. If the construction site involves the constant presence of metal parts in an aggressive environment for them, it makes sense to use composite reinforcement.

At correct selection plastic reinforcement, it will provide the same strength as metal.

Rods before pouring concrete.

Main areas of use

There are two main forms of production of composite reinforcement:

• Smooth plastic rods supplemented with a glass spiral to improve the quality of fixation;
• The fittings are of a familiar shape, repeating the structure of the metal one.

Most experts advise giving preference to the second type.

The main area of ​​application of fiberglass reinforcement is the construction of foundations for low-rise buildings. When constructing a foundation, reinforcement of a specific diameter is used in each individual case.

In addition, such material is often used for binding brickwork. In this case, the formation of cold bridges can be avoided, which increases the overall efficiency of the building.

Builders' opinion

Now there is a steady trend towards the popularization of composite reinforcement among builders and large developers. In most cases, you can find positive opinions about this material. Experts note that such rods are virtually waste-free when carrying out construction work. Another important factor is their ease of use.

Most experts agree that in certain construction fields such material has significant advantages over metal reinforcing rods. The main advantage of these plastic rods is the ability to use them in almost any length.

Use of composite materials for reinforcement of bridge deck slabs

One of the main factors confirming the high strength and reliability of composite reinforcement is its widespread use in construction areas that withstand constant heavy loads (bridges, coastline structures, roads).

This is due to the fact that such material has excellent resistance to seismological activity of the earth. It has been experimentally proven that fiberglass reinforcement does not lose its basic technical characteristics even during a magnitude 10 earthquake, which makes it best choice for reinforcing concrete bridge deck slabs.

In addition, it should be noted that plastic, unlike metal, is not subject to corrosion, which is an important factor in the construction of bridges that are constantly in contact with water and a humid environment.

Differences in the characteristics of polymer and metal reinforcing rods

The main competitor for plastic reinforcing rods is traditional metal reinforcement used in concrete slabs and floors. In general, these two building materials are very similar to each other. At the same time, in some respects, fiberglass reinforcement demonstrates noticeably more impressive performance than metal reinforcing equipment. In such conditions, it is worth making a small comparison of the technical characteristics of metal and polymer reinforcement:

• Deformation indicators. Steel rods are an elastoplastic material, while composite reinforcement is an ideally elastic building material;
• Indicators of ultimate strength. Metal exhibits the following parameters: 390 MPa, and fiberglass 1300 MPa;
• The size of the thermal conductivity coefficient. For metal this parameter is 46 W/mOS, and for composite 0.35 W/mOS;
• Indicators of structural density. For steel this parameter is 7850 kg/m3, and for fiberglass 1900 kg/m3;
• Thermal conductivity parameters. Unlike steel structures, fiberglass does not conduct heat at all;
• Corrosion resistance. Fiberglass reinforcement does not rust at all. At the same time, steel is a material that rusts relatively quickly;
• Electrical conductivity of the product. Composite reinforcing building material is essentially a dielectric. At the same time, one of the disadvantages of metal fittings is the ability to conduct electrical current.

External differences between metal and composite rods.

Physical parameters of fiberglass reinforcement material

According to today's requirements, composite rods must be characterized by three main physical parameters, namely:

• Mass of elements;
• Winding distance;
• External as well as internal diameter.

Each individual profile number has its own physical indicators. The only constant parameter is the winding distance, equal to 15 millimeters. The current specifications regulate that composite rods differing in profile size have the following digital designations: 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18. This digital values correspond to the parameters of the outer diameter. The mass of reinforcing rods can vary from 0.02 to 0.42 kg/1 running meter.

Calculation procedure for building structures with composite reinforcing materials

The process of calculating structures in which composite reinforcement is used can be demonstrated by the example of calculating the work of a beam where it is used steel reinforcement D12 mm.

Such reinforcing rods A500C, having a diameter of 12 millimeters, have the following characteristics:

• The elastic modulus value is at 200 GPa;
• The standard resistance indicators are 500 MPa, which is slightly less than the fluidity parameters of the steel used in the manufacture of these rods.

Based on these data, the approximate maximum load per rod is 4.5 tons. With such a load, the tensile parameters of the reinforcement will reach 2.5 mm/m

In the documentation that comes with fiberglass reinforcement, there is always a sign indicating its compliance with steel reinforcing rods.

Thus, fiberglass reinforcement, to comply with the parameters of steel A500C with a diameter of 12 mm, must have a diameter of 10 mm.

In other words, the process of calculating buildings with plastic rods is completely similar to calculations with steel rods, the only difference is the use of a correspondence table.

How is composite reinforcement produced?

All composite reinforcement is manufactured in the format of rods with a thickness of 4 to 32 millimeters. Such building materials can be sold both in the form of rods and in coils with a length of more than 100 meters.

There are two main types of plastic reinforcing rods:

• Periodic, which is obtained by using spiral winding;
• Smooth, sprinkled with quartz sand to improve the quality of adhesion.

Connection technique

One of additional benefits composite building materials is the absence of the need for welding work. All rods are formed into a single frame using bonding technology.

Often in construction practice, special binding wire is used, less often plastic ties.

There are the following ways to use tie wire:

• Using a special automatic pistol;
• Using a construction crochet hook;
• The use of a mechanized construction crochet hook.

The last two options are most often used in construction. This is due to their availability, because not everyone can afford to purchase a special automatic gun for tying.

Connection using plastic ties.

Diameter of plastic fittings

Due to certain design features, fiberglass reinforcement has several parameters that characterize its diameter:

• The size of the outer diameter of the composite rod is determined according to the location of the ribs protruding along the profile;
• Inner diameter refers specifically to the rod itself;
• Nominal diameter refers to digital designation specific profile.

All these parameters do not coincide with each other. The nominal diameter is smaller than the external diameter, measured by the protruding ribs. You should pay special attention to these parameters. This will help you avoid purchasing smaller reinforcing rods than necessary.

There are some nuances in determining these sizes of fiberglass reinforcement. The outer diameter of the product is determined in the same way as for steel. As for internal diameter, then it is more difficult to determine due to the non-perfectly round cross-section of the rod.

Which appeared on construction market relatively recently, it has both advantages and disadvantages, which the consumer must be aware of. Despite the assurances of manufacturers that this product is a complete replacement for metal fittings, its use cannot be considered justified in all situations.

What is fiberglass reinforcement

The so-called composite reinforcement is a fiberglass rod around which a carbon fiber thread is wound, which serves not only to strengthen the structure of such a product, but also to ensure its reliable adhesion to the concrete mortar. At the fittings of this type There are both pros and cons, and its use should be approached very carefully.

Plastic clamps serve as elements for fixing carbon fiber reinforcement bars to each other. Conveniently, connecting the elements of such fittings does not require the use of welding, which is undoubtedly a big plus.

When assessing the feasibility of using fiberglass reinforcement, it is necessary to consider all the pros and cons of its use in individual situations. This approach will ensure high efficiency this material as a means of strengthening building structures for various purposes.

If you do not take into account the characteristics of fiberglass reinforcement and do not compare them with the parameters of similar products made of metal, you can cause serious harm to the future building structure or finishing elements. That is why, before you start choosing elements for reinforcing concrete structures, you should understand in which cases the use of certain products is more appropriate.

Main advantages

Among the advantages of carbon fiber reinforcement, it is worth highlighting the following.

• An important advantage of fiberglass reinforcement is its low specific weight, which makes it possible to use it for reinforcing light structures made of cellular concrete and some others building materials. This allows you to significantly reduce the weight of structures that are reinforced with its help. Meanwhile, the weight of a conventional concrete structure when using fiberglass reinforcement will decrease slightly, since the building material itself has an impressive mass.
• Low thermal conductivity is also an advantage of fiberglass reinforcement. When using such reinforcement in concrete structures, no cold bridges are formed (which cannot be said about metal reinforcing elements), which significantly improves their thermal insulation parameters.
• The high flexibility of fiberglass reinforcement allows it to be shipped to the customer in coils, rather than cut into individual rods. Thanks to the compact form of packaging, it is much easier to transport such fittings, for which you can use the trunk of any passenger car, and this seriously reduces the cost of delivering material to the site of construction work. The use of reinforcing elements, which are shipped not in cut rods, but in coils, also makes it possible to reduce material costs by reducing the number of overlaps. This has a positive effect on both the strength characteristics of the future concrete structure and its cost, which is especially important when performing construction work.
• The advantage of fiberglass reinforcement, such as its durability inside a concrete structure, is considered quite controversial. Metal fittings, being in an isolated state, are also not subject to negative influence external factors, which ensures durability of its use.
• Carbon fiber reinforcement is a dielectric material, which is an advantage of products made from this material. Conductive electricity metal fittings are more susceptible to corrosion, which negatively affects its durability.
• Compared to metal reinforcing elements, fiberglass products are not exposed to chemically active environments. This advantage of fiberglass reinforcement is especially important in cases of construction of buildings in winter time, when various salt solutions are added to concrete, accelerating the hardening process.
• Being a dielectric, carbon fiber reinforcement does not create radio interference inside the building, unlike metal rods. This advantage is important when there are many reinforcing elements in a concrete structure. Otherwise, the use of composite reinforcement will not be a disadvantage, but it will not be so relevant.

Fiberglass reinforcement also has disadvantages, which potential consumers should also be aware of.

Main disadvantages

The disadvantages of fiberglass reinforcement are associated with its following characteristics.

• The disadvantages of fiberglass reinforcement include, in particular, the fact that it does not withstand the impact high temperatures. At the same time, it is difficult to imagine a situation where reinforcement cage, located inside the concrete, can be heated to a temperature of 200 degrees.
• The rather high cost is a drawback, given the fact that for the reinforcement of concrete structures it is possible to use fiberglass reinforcement of a smaller diameter in comparison with metal products.
• Carbon fiber reinforcement does not bend well. This drawback limits its use in creating reinforcing frames for concrete structures. Meanwhile, bent sections of the reinforcement frame can be made from steel elements, and then they can be extended using fiberglass rods.
• Reinforcement made of fiberglass does not withstand fracture loads well, which is very critical for concrete structures. Accordingly, their reinforcing frame must successfully withstand such loads, which reinforcement made of composite materials cannot boast of.
• Unlike metal reinforcement frames, fiberglass products have less rigidity. Because of this drawback, they do not tolerate vibration loads that occur when pouring them using a car mixer. When using this technique, the reinforcement frame is subjected to significant mechanical loads, which can cause its breakage and disruption of the spatial position of its elements, therefore quite high demands are placed on the rigidity of such concrete structures.

Considering the advantages and disadvantages of fiberglass reinforcement, it is difficult to say how much better or worse it is made of metal. In any case, the choice of this material should be approached very reasonably, using it to solve the problems for which it is really intended.

Areas of application of fiberglass reinforcement

Reinforcement made of composite materials, the installation rules of which are easy to learn from the corresponding videos, is used in both capital and private construction. Since capital construction is carried out by qualified specialists who are well acquainted with the nuances and disadvantages of using certain building materials, we will dwell on the features of using such material in the construction of private low-rise buildings.

• Reinforcement made from composite materials is successfully used to strengthen the following types of foundation structures: strip, whose height is greater than the freezing depth of the soil, and slab. The use of carbon fiber reinforcement to strengthen foundations is advisable only in cases where the structure is being built on good soil, Where concrete bases will not be subjected to fracture loads that fiberglass elements simply cannot withstand.
• Using fiberglass reinforcement, they strengthen walls whose masonry is made of brick, gas silicate and other blocks. It should be noted that, as a connecting element of walls, composite reinforcement is very popular among private developers, who use it not only to strengthen the masonry of load-bearing structures, but also to ensure their connection with facing partitions.
• This material is also actively used to bind elements of multilayer panels. The structure of the latter includes a layer of insulation and concrete elements, which are connected to each other using fiberglass reinforcement.
• Due to the fact that the type of reinforcement in question does not have such a disadvantage as susceptibility to corrosion, it is often used to strengthen various hydraulic structures (for example, dams and swimming pools).
• In cases where it is necessary to effectively increase the rigidity of glued wooden beams, they are also strengthened with fiberglass reinforcement.
• This material is also used in road construction: it is used to strengthen the layer of asphalt, which is subject to increased loads during its operation.

Summarizing all of the above, it should be noted that fiberglass reinforcement can be used quite effectively, if we take into account its disadvantages and associated limitations, which are specified by the manufacturer.

Can fiberglass reinforcement replace metal counterparts?

Despite the fact that reinforcement made from composite materials is a fairly new material on the construction market, you can already find many recommendations (and even videos) on its use. Considering these recommendations, we can conclude that it is best to use fiberglass reinforcement for strengthening walls built from bricks and building blocks, as well as for communications load-bearing walls with interior partitions.