How To Work With GFRP Composites

184,000 pieces of 38 mm GFRP

Mateen Pultron dowels were supplied In the construction upgrade project for the Port of Rotterdam Container Terminal, Netherlands (2019).

Pultron Composites

Concrete contractors are increasingly turning to GFRP (glass-fiber reinforced polymer) products as the building material of choice for concrete structures.

GFRP products are 1/4 the weight of steel which can often mean less need for heavy lifting equipment or extra labor. This can be factored into your scheduling when planning your labor, project timeline, and equipment requirements.

These composite materials are commonly used in concrete construction projects like retaining walls, foundations, and other reinforced structures.

The most common types of GFRP products used in these applications include rebar, rock bolts, dowels, form ties, and thermal insulation pins. They are corrosion-resistant, lightweight, nonelectrically conductive, excellent thermal insulators, easy to work with, have high durability, and have a long service life. They also provide excellent resistance to cracking, shrinking, and thermal expansion/contraction. With just a few tips and strategies, you can work with GFRP composites safely and efficiently to create long-lasting structures including bridges, concrete panels, seawalls, and more.

How To Store Gfrp Composites

Take reasonable care and use common sense. Ensure the products aren’t damaged during storage. Products that are designed to be buried in concrete do not need any UV resistance for the application, so typically do not have any UV inhibitors added. If they are to be stored for a long period of time, they should be covered or otherwise kept out of direct sunlight. They should be kept clean and inspected before use.

Purchase Quality Gfrp Products

With the right knowledge and the proper precautions, you can find reliable and high-quality GFRP products that will meet your needs. Choose a manufacturer with a comprehensive quality program and a laboratory equipped with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA, photo on page 12). These specialized instruments are used to determine the glass transition temperature and degree of cure of composites. Both test methods are critical components of any pultrusion quality control program.

The strength, durability, and quality of the GFRP product you purchase are one of the most important criteria to consider, as it will directly affect your end product. Some GFRP products may be cheaper, but may not last as long or perform as well as higherquality materials.