Use of fiberglass reinforcement

Active use of fiberglass (composite) reinforcement in construction began in the 80s of last century.

According to the American Concrete Institute (ACI), the first project “Use of Composite Technology to Design and Construction of Bridges” was developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 1983 (Plecnik and Ahmad 1988).

Up to 100 commercial projects using fiberglass reinforcement have already been implemented in Japan since the 90s. China has become one of the largest consumers in Asia. Composite reinforcement is also actively used in the UK, Russia, Canada, USA, etc.

Fiberglass reinforcement is used in private, civil, industrial, as well as the elements of transport building elements, coastal and harbor structures, etc.

Research has revealed a number of factors that justify the use of composite reinforcement. Compared to traditional reinforcement, fiberglass reinforcement has many advantages over its metal analogue, namely, high strength, low specific weight, high chemical and corrosion resistance, low thermal conductivity, radio and magnetic transparency, ease of transportation. The combination of all this in some cases gives us a significant (30-40%) economic effect.

At the same time it should be noted that the elastic modulus of periodic profile fiberglass reinforcement is less than the elastic modulus of traditional metal reinforcement. Consequently, it is impossible to make bent (angular) elements (L and U shapes) on the construction site.

According to the recommendations given in the sources found in the world construction literature, composite (fiberglass) reinforcement can be used:

– in roofing tiles;

– in the foundations of buildings;

– in aggressive environments (coastal and harbor buildings), while reinforcing concrete structures;

– in thin-walled reinforced structures;

– in the reinforcement of brick piles;

– in the power transmission line support poles;

– in irrigation canals;

– reinforcement of roads and bridges;

– in load-bearing structures (buildings not exceeding 3 floors);

– etc.