Concrete has found usage as a building material for a very long time. This can be attributed to its good durability, high compressive strength and its low costs. However, it has its shortcoming in terms of its brittleness and its limited tensile strength. This shortcoming has been solved by the use of steel reinforcing bars in the concrete structures that were experiencing tension. Through construction evolution, the GFRP concrete reinforcement is now the modern method.
The steel rebar is functional efficient. This is to say that it gives an appealing output. However, the steel rebar also comes with some weaknesses. Whenever it is exposed to moisture, salts or aggressive chemicals, it will definitely corrode. This corrosion of steel bars consequently lead to cracks and spall that create openings resulting to a further and quicker deterioration of the steel and concrete.
The highlighted shortfalls of steel rebar leads to increased repair costs as well as maintenance costs. If defects continue, the quality of the structure becomes compromised. Various technologies regarding penetrants and coatings are being introduced in order to keep off moisture. Prevention of long-term corrosion has however proved to be a challenge. To add on, since steel can conduct electrical and magnetic fields, it becomes undesirable to be used in power generation, nuclear plants, medical imaging among other areas.
Various reasons as to why GFRP is more preferred in concrete structures exist. First, GFRP has the ability to resist corrosion making it perfect for usage involving long-term immersion in liquids (water or brine). It can be used applications such as offshore platforms, swimming pools, jetties, aquariums and others. Its ability to also resist deicing chemicals and road salts also makes the maintenance of parking structures, roads, runways and bridges to be long lasting and easier.
The tensile strength of GFRP is higher than steel giving it an advantage. This makes it able to provide an excellent counterbalance to the comprehensive strength resulted by concrete. It also gives a great fatigue resistance making it suitable for cyclic loading such as roads and bridges. Its weight is also relatively lower compared to steel.
Among the practical benefits include; constructions workers who are needed to carry and install them experience less wear and tear. Cranes and other equipment needed for heavy lifting are also needed less. Cutting it is easier and can be done with common cutting equipment without causing damage on the saw blades. More of it can be hauled into a truck and the legal loading limit will not be exceeded.
For applications that are sensitive on electromagnetic, the GFRP is nonconductive hence it will not transmit any current. This will ensure that it does not attract lightning or interfere with normal operation of the nearby electrical devices. With this, it becomes a safer option for plants dealing in nuclear, aluminum, airport structures, electrical towers and others.
Despite the initial high costs that are incurred, the GFRP later in the long term becomes very economical especially when looked in terms of lifecycle costs. The listed benefits among many others has made this new technology to receive gradual acceptance and be favored by most construction industries.
When you are looking for information about glass fiber reinforced polymer manufacturers, you should pay a visit to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://www.gbar-gbolt.com/ now.
