Costello Construction
Kauai, HI
"It [GatorBar] is so easy to work with it feels like we are cheating! We have always used a #4 steel rebar grid in warehouse slabs to add structural integrity, but no matter how hard you try, 6x6x10/10 wire mesh always ends up on the bottom of the slab. There is never enough time to pull it up, and even if you Dobie it up, the steel bends down when you step on it. In the end, it does not add structural strength to the slab. GatorBar springs back, staying centered in the slab."
FRP rebar has been around for decades, but has been used very seldom in comparison to “good ol’ steel” rebar. Lately, advancements in the composites industry are bringing the price point for such materials down, and there has never been a better time to start considering this alternative material for your next project.
Basalt fiber reinforced polymer rebar
I think I can speak for the crowd here; everyone likes to be one step ahead of their competition. While this is typically true, fear of the unknown is often greater than this desire to be the top dog. Using a new product requires a change from the status quo, and many people fear change. I’m here to tell you, change is a good thing and when it comes to concrete reinforcement, perhaps change is the only option that makes sense.
Because I know you’ll need some convincing, here are my top reasons why you should consider using FRP rebar in your next concrete project:
Fun fact: currently in the US, the FHWA estimates that one in every three bridges are structurally deficient. Do you think that maybe it’s time to stop “reinforcing” concrete with a material that will eventually destroy it? I think so.
Although FRP rebar isn’t a one-for-one direct replacement for steel in all reinforced concrete structural elements, advancements in composites manufacturing have dropped FRP rebar costs making it impossible to simply ignore. So if you’re looking for a way to stand out from your competition, I think it’s time you looked outside of your comfort zone. One hundred years of practice didn’t make perfect… Good thing it’s never too late to change the game.