Pultrall V•ROD

The technology of reinforced concrete is facing a serious degradation problem in structures due to the corrosion of steel rebar. In Australia, the repair costs are estimated to be close to 26 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.

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.

Examples:

• Parapets and Barriers
• Aluminum Smelters
• Waterfront Structures
• Sea Walls
• Bridges and Overpasses

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.
• Installation 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.