New standard specification supports non-metallic FRP rebar

ASTM International’s (Conshohocken, Pa., U.S.) composite materials committee (D30) has developed a new standard specification for the latest generation of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rebar.

FRP rebar is used as internal concrete reinforcement. According to ASTM International member Francisco De Caso, this new standard (D8505) is a milestone after several decades of collaboration to further integrate these composite materials into infrastructure.

“The higher performance specified for bars, results in a significant improvement of design and construction of concrete structures reinforced with non-metallic FRP bars,” says De Caso, principal scientist at the University of Miami (Fla., U.S.). “This translates into more efficient and sustainable design of concrete structures.“

De Caso notes that the specification contains critical contributions such as the inclusion of basalt fiber-reinforced rebar to existing glass fiber-reinforced rebar, as well as higher-performance rebar. He also says that the standard could be useful across the concrete construction value chain.

This effort directly relates to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #6, 9, 11 and 12 on clean water and sanitation, industry, sustainable cities and responsible production/consumption, respectively.

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