In today’s construction industry, rising costs are a significant concern, prompting the adoption of innovative solutions to reduce project expenses. Cement and steel remain the most expensive materials, driving the search for alternative options to cut costs. In this blog, we will explore one such alternative of steel—fiberglass reinforced polymer (FGRP), also known as fiberglass composite (FGC).
Fiber Glass Reinforced Polymer (FGRP): An Innovative Material in Construction.
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Fiber Glass Reinforced Polymer (FGRP) is becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry due to its unique properties. A composite made of 80% fiberglass and 20% epoxy resin, FGC offers a variety of benefits that make it an ideal material for certain applications.
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The Measurement tape : Stanley.
The Safety shoes : Allen Cooper.
What is Fiber Glass Reinforced Polymer (FGRP)?
FGC or fiber glass composite is a composite material that combines fiber glass with epoxy resin. The fiber glass provides strength, while the resin binds the fibers together and provides protection. The result is a lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant material.
Composition of FGRP:
Fiber Glass: 80% and Epoxy Resin: 20%.
This combination provides a material that has exceptional tensile strength, significantly higher than traditional TMT steel bars. Rebars are two times stronger and 1/4 lighter than traditional steel. The rebars include high-quality corrosion-resistant vinyl ester resin that increases the lifespan of a concrete structure.
Yield Strength :-
Today’s market FE 500 & FE 500D TMT bars are most used for all civil & retail construction purposes.
Standard Grades of TMT Bars as per IS are:
Fe 415 and Fe 415D,
Fe 500 and Fe 500D,
Fe 550 and Fe 550D,
Fe 600,
Where Fe stands for iron and number represent the minimum yield strength of rebar in Mpa.
Fiber glass reinforced polymer rebar are 2 times stronger than TMT bars in tensile strength.
Comparison: FGC Bars vs. TMT Bars
| Sr. No | Properties | FGRP Bars | TMT Bars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Material composition | Fiber glass and epoxy resins | Carbon, sulphur and phosphorus |
| 2 | Tensile strength | 1000+ Mpa | ~500 Mpa average |
| 3 | Compressive strength | Lower than steel | High |
| 4 | Corrosion resistance | Excellence | Susceptible to rust without coating |
| 5 | Weight | Light Weight | Heavier |
| 6 | Cost | Potential for massive cost savings | Expensive |
| 7 | Usage Flexibility | Non-load bearing application | Load bearing application and versatile |
| 8 | Use | Grade slab, road, pavement etc. | High rise buildings, column, beam, slab etc. |
Benefits of Fiber Glass Reinforced Polymer :
Excellent Tensile Strength:
- FGC’s tensile strength is superior to traditional steel bars, making it highly effective in applications where tensile forces are predominant.
Lightweight:
- Due to its composition, FGC is significantly lighter than steel, reducing transport and handling costs.
Corrosion Resistance:
- FGC bars are immune to rust, which increases their longevity in corrosive environments.
Good Bonding Strength:
- Despite being a composite material, FGC bonds well with concrete and other materials.
Available in Coils:
- FGC bars are available in 100-meter coils for diameters such as 6 mm, 7 mm, and 8 mm, which aids in easier transportation and installation.
Durability:
- FGC doesn’t expand or contract, making it a stable material for many construction applications and reduce the cracking of concrete.
Applications of FGRP:
FGRP is ideal for use in areas where tensile strength is critical but compressive strength isn’t as demanding.
- Industrial Flooring
- Roads and Footpaths
- Retaining Walls
- Swimming Pools
- Drainage Pipes
- Precast Sections
- Prestressed Water Structures
Advantages of FGRP :
- Lightweight and easy to transport, bind, and fix.
- Due to its lightweight and ease of use, they can be preferred for massive cost savings.
- Its resistance to corrosion and environmental factors contributes to longevity.
- It can be manufactured in custom lengths, bends, and shapes.
- It is transparent to electrical field and radio frequencies.
- Low thermal conductivity.
Disadvantages OF FGRP :
- Fiber glass reinforced polymer bars cannot be bent on-site like steel. Any required bends must be manufactured beforehand.
- While FGC excels in tensile strength, its compressive strength is less than steel, making it unsuitable for load-bearing applications.
Conclusion :
Fiber Glass Reinforced Polymer is an innovative material with a strong future in non-load-bearing applications, offering excellent tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and cost savings. Although it cannot replace steel in every scenario, FGC is carving out its niche in the construction industry.
