Characteristics
The technology of reinforced concrete is facing a serious degradation problem in structures
due to the corrosion of steel rebar. In North America, the repair costs are estimated to be
close to 300 billion dollars.
Several options have been explored, most notably the use of galvanized steel rebar, epoxy
coated or stainless steel. The results, however, have been disappointing as these solutions
have turned out to be less than effective or cost prohibitive.
Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) rebar has
proven to be the solution. Lightweight, corrosion resistant,
and offering excellent tensile strength and high mechanical
performance, V•ROD rebar is installed much like steel rebar,
but with fewer handling and storage problems.
Last fall, we have completed all required
MTQ's impact tests on
slide channel PL1 and PL2. [SEE VIDEO]
This was the last stage in the perspective of responding
to all MTQ's standards. As appearing in the
Info Structure's issue of january 18th 2008
(PDF), the new structure designing manual will allow
the use of composite for concrete paving stone of bridges.
The full
report
(PDF) of those impact tests is also available in PDF
V-ROD increases the standards
V•ROD rebar gives designers, contractors
and owners of structures the following advantages :
Corrosion Resistance. V•ROD rebar does not rust, even in the harshest
environments. It does not react to salt, chemical
products or the alkaline present in concrete.
Superior Tensile Strength. V•ROD rebar produced by pultrusion offers
a tensile strength up to twice that of steel.
Thermal Expansion. V•ROD rebar offers a level of thermal expansion
comparable to concrete due to its 80% silica content.
Electrical and Magnetic
Neutrality. V•ROD rebar does not contain any metal; it will
not cause any interference in contact with strong
magnetic fields or when operating sensitive electronic
instruments.
Thermal Insulation. V•ROD rebar does not create a thermal bridge
within structures.
Lightweight. V•ROD rebar is 4 times lighter than steel rebar.
It is much easier to handle, and in most cases,
one truck load will be sufficient to supply the rebar
even for an entire project.
Simplified On-Site Management. V•ROD rebar can be delivered at the right time
and in the exact quantity needed at the site. Various specifications such as the length, angles or
bends of special sections are prepared in the plant.
Advantages in the Field
It has now been established with documented
proof that V•ROD rebar represents an
advantageous solution in a wide range of reinforced concrete
applications. What’s more,
it is possible to integrate fibre optic sensors (fiber Bragg
gratings) into this rebar to enable
real time remote monitoring of structural integrity.
Engineers have now standardized the product
and its applications, enabling the validation
of their quality.
Exemples :
- Parapets and Barriers
- Aluminum Smelters
- Waterfront Structures
- Sea Walls
- Bridges and Overpasses
- Slabs and Overlays Precast
When Safety and Savings Go Together
The use of V•ROD rebar provides very
signifi cant savings while
increasing safety for users.
Savings on Life Cycle Cost
- Given the present value for total costs
of maintenance and demolition,
using V•ROD technology represents a savings of 45
to 60%.
- Given the present value of the overall
life cycle cost, using V•ROD
technology represents a savings of roughly 15 to 25%.
- If we add unknown factors such as the
fact that fragile epoxy coating
may be compromised due to impact when installing rebar,
the savings
provided by using FRP increases from 15 to 30%.
Construction Savings
- V•ROD rebar allows costs to be
eliminated related to the use of
expensive membranes.
- It is possible to use conventional concrete
instead of low permeability
concrete with added corrosion inhibitors.
- Reduced weight allows for the handling
of more rebar at the same
time and reduces installation time.
Increased Safety for Owners and Users
- V •ROD rebar is manufactured according
to set standards, has been
approved by ISIS Canada and is included in CSA design
standards.
- Standard specifi cations are now available
to engineering firms for
quality control of projects, including independent on-site
inspection.
- I nstallation methods in concrete have
been standardized in accordance
with those of steel.
A Future with Confidence
As a solution for the future, V•ROD
rebar is also a solution we can be confident in as
attested by its qualification for and presence in the CSA
codes for bridge and building
construction, as well as its adoption under the specific
standards of related authorities
in many Canadian provinces, American states and North American
cities.
Project design methods have been developed
thanks to many pilot projects completed
by the best of Quebec and Canadian expertise under the control
of ISIS Canada and
with the participation of reputable researchers such as
Mr. Brahim Benmokrance, PhD
Engineering.
