Fiberglass Rebar Stirrups – Advanced GFRP Concrete Reinforcement

Fiberglass Rebar Stirrups for Concrete Shear Reinforcement

Our fiberglass rebar stirrups (GFRP stirrups) are factory-formed closed shapes used as shear reinforcement in concrete beams, slabs, and columns. Made from continuous glass fibers in a thermoset resin matrix, these stirrups do not rust and are non-conductive, making them suitable for marine, chemical, and electromagnetically sensitive environments where metallic reinforcement may corrode. They are approximately one-fourth the weight of steel for equal diameter, which can reduce handling effort during placement. IncomePultrusion produces these stirrups using the same pultrusion machines and pultrusion dies used for our FRP rebar and pultruded profiles, so material consistency is maintained across the reinforcement system.

Types and Sizes of Fiberglass Rebar Stirrups

Available Types

• Single Leg Stirrups: Simple shear reinforcement for narrow elements.
• Open Rectangular Stirrups: Standard beam and slab applications.
• Closed Rectangular Stirrups: Enhanced confinement for beams and columns.
• Rhombic Stirrups: Geometric configurations for specialized detailing.
• Circular Stirrups: Column and pile reinforcement.
• Custom Shapes: Tailored to project drawings and specifications.

Standard Sizes and Dimensions

Design Guidelines:

• Beams ≤800mm height: Minimum 6mm diameter
• Beams >800mm height: Minimum 8mm diameter

Technical Specifications

Material Properties

• Composition: E-glass fibers in epoxy or vinyl-ester resin matrix.
• Tensile Strength: Typically 600–1,200 MPa, depending on fiber architecture and resin system.
• Weight: Approximately one-fourth the weight of steel for equal diameter.
• Surface: Ribbed or sand-coated texture for concrete bond.
• Corrosion Resistance: Resistant to chlorides and many industrial chemicals.

Quality Standards

• Manufacturing: ISO 9001:2015 certified facility.
• Testing: ASTM D7957 compliance available.
• Design: ACI 440.1R guideline adherence for GFRP reinforcement.

Primary Applications

Ideal Environments

• Marine Construction: Piers, seawalls, coastal structures.
• Chemical Facilities: Processing plants, wastewater treatment.
• Medical Buildings: MRI rooms, hospitals requiring electromagnetic neutrality.
• Infrastructure: Bridge decks, tunnels, parking structures.
• Industrial Projects: Where corrosion resistance is a design priority.

Structural Functions

• Shear Reinforcement: Resists diagonal tension failures.
• Crack Control: Helps limit crack development and propagation.
• Torsional Resistance: Resists twisting forces.
• Load Transfer: Improves connection between structural elements.

Installation Considerations

Factory Fabrication

All stirrups are bent during manufacturing. Field bending is not recommended because it can damage glass fibers and reduce mechanical properties. Factory forming provides:

• Accurate dimensions and consistent quality.
• Preserved material properties.
• Reliable structural performance.

Design Requirements

• Stirrup spacing per structural analysis.
• Proper concrete cover per building codes.
• Approved connection details.
• Professional engineering review recommended.

Performance Benefits

• Corrosion Resistance: Does not rust in chloride or chemical exposure.
• Lightweight Handling: Lower weight than steel for equal diameter reduces placement labor.
• Non-Conductive: Suitable for MRI rooms, electrical substations, and rail applications.
• Magnetic Neutrality: No magnetic interference.

FAQ

What sizes are available for fiberglass rebar stirrups?

Standard diameters range from 6mm to 14mm, with common leg dimensions from 5″×13″ up to 16″×20″. Custom sizes and larger leg lengths are available on request.

What is the tensile strength of fiberglass stirrups?

GFRP stirrups typically provide tensile strength in the 600–1,200 MPa range, depending on the manufacturing process and quality grade. Project specifications should confirm the required strength class.

Why use fiberglass stirrups instead of steel?

GFRP stirrups resist corrosion, are approximately one-fourth the weight of steel for equal diameter, and are non-conductive. They are often specified where chloride exposure, chemical contact, or electromagnetic compatibility is a concern.

Are fiberglass stirrups compatible with concrete?

Yes. Deformed or sand-coated surfaces provide bond strength per ACI 440.1R. GFRP is compatible with standard concrete mixes, admixtures, and curing methods used with steel reinforcement.

What applications use fiberglass rebar stirrups?

Beams, columns, shear walls, bridge piers, marine structures, wastewater tanks, and parking garages where corrosion resistance and durability are design priorities.

Can fiberglass stirrups be bent like steel?

No. Fiberglass stirrups are factory fabricated to exact specifications. Custom stirrup shapes, hooks, and cage assemblies are available from the manufacturer.

Do fiberglass stirrups meet building codes?

GFRP reinforcement is covered by ACI 440.1R, CSA S806, and Eurocode 2 guidance. Local approval depends on the specific project design and jurisdiction.

Are fiberglass stirrups electrically safe?

Yes. GFRP is non-conductive and non-magnetic, making it suitable for MRI facilities, electrical substations, airports, and applications requiring electromagnetic compatibility.

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