Fiberglass Rebar
Composite rebar—glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement bar—is the solution to preventing corrosion of reinforced concrete structure. MST-BAR® is an excellent replacement for conventional types of steel rebar. Manufactured in the USA and Canada, MST-BAR is the industry leader in GFRP bar with the highest tensile strength, shear strength, elastic modulus, and bond strength.
Fiberglass Rebar vs Steel: When to Choose Fiberglass Rebar Instead of Steel
When deciding which type of structural reinforcement to use for your project, many different variables must be considered. Consult a structural engineer before deciding on what structural reinforcement to choose for your project.
Fiberglass Rebar Sizing
Traditional steel rebar comes in industrial sizes from #3 - #18 while Fiberglass rebar is available in three sizes. 4EQ Structural Rebar is the largest and the strongest, designed to replace steel rebar for most structural design concrete elements. Both 4MAX Composite Rebar and 3MAX Composite Rebar are engineered to replace the use of welded wire mesh. The environmental resistance of fiberglass makes it a great substitute for galvanized wire mesh. Additionally, transitioning from wire mesh to fiberglass rebar allows for a higher variation of spacing. To view the structural engineering data, including the Tensile and Shear Strength of Fiberglass rebar, refer to the documentation located at the bottom of the page.
Advantages of Fiberglass Rebar Over Steel
200+ Years of Service Life
Unlike steel rebar, Fiberglass rebar is less susceptible to environmental conditions, which is beneficial when the fiberglass rebar is set in concrete. There is also an increased shelf life when properly stored compared to steel rebar.
Quick and Simple Installation
Fiberglass Rebar is 75% lighter than steel rebar. Fiberglass rebar can be substituted for steel rebar to lighten the load on your labor force and while in transport.
ICC-ES ESR 4664
4EQ Structural Bar is code compliant, 2021 IBC and IRC, and meets all ACI standards for reinforcement under ACI 44.01.
Exceeds Steel Tensile Strength
Fiberglass rebar has 3X stronger tensile strength compared to Grade 40 Rebar; fiberglass rebar has slightly less shear strength.
Nonconductive and Nonferrous
Fiberglass rebar is ideal for a project with electromagnetic sensitivity. The need for this occurs frequently for projects containing sensitive machinery, commonly found in hospitals around Radiology scan rooms.
Chemical Resistant and Waterproof
Fiberglass rebar is more resistant to a chemical attack than steel rebar, the need for chemical resistance or waterproofing agents is eliminated. Fiberglass rebar is valuable for projects where de-icing salts or corrosive chemicals are present.
Fiberglass Rebar is Rustproof
This eliminates cracks due to spalling, making fiberglass the superior choice for a project in extreme environments, like a Sea Wall.
Safety Warning
When working with fiberglass, always wear gloves and avoid direct contact with skin to protect against fiberglass splinters.
Fiberglass Bending
Fabricated bends of fiberglass rebar are done at the manufacturer. Submit requested bend quantities and shapes when requesting a quote for shaped fiberglass rebar.
How to Tie Fiberglass Rebar
Fiberglass rebar can be tied in the same methods as steel rebar. When using fiberglass rebar on-grade and to keep a consistent concrete covering we introduced PCGCB snap-in chairs. These chairs serve a dual purpose. They are designed so that the fiberglass rebar will snap securely into the chair, therefore eliminating the need for tying at the chair locations.
Get a Quote on Fiberglass Rebar
To request pricing and availability of fiberglass rebar, click on the red Get a Quote button and enter your information. A Form Tech representative will contact you shortly.
