Cutting, Installing, and Bending Fiberglass Rebar: Practical Guide for Construction Sites

Fiberglass rebar, or FRP rebar, is widely used for its corrosion resistance and light weight. However, unlike traditional steel bars, it requires specific handling techniques during installation. This guide provides key insights into cutting, bending, and fixing fiberglass rebar on-site, ensuring safe and effective construction performance.

1. How to Cut Fiberglass Rebar: Recommended Tools and Tips

Fiberglass rebars cannot be cut with traditional rebar cutters used for steel. Instead, use tools designed for composite materials:

Recommended tools:

Best practices:

• Always wear protective eyewear and mask to avoid inhaling fine fiberglass dust.

• Secure the bar firmly before cutting to avoid vibration.

• Deburr the edges with sandpaper or a file after cutting to prevent injuries and ensure better fit with couplers.

2. Can Fiberglass Rebar Be Bent?

No, fiberglass rebar cannot be bent on-site like steel rebar. It is a rigid, composite material with high tensile strength but low ductility. Attempting to bend FRP bars during installation can cause internal fractures, compromising their structural integrity.

Solutions for curved applications:

• Order factory-prefabricated bent FRP bars, such as stirrups, hooks, or radius elements.

• For complex shapes (e.g., slabs with curved edges or special foundations), custom pre-formed GFRP components are recommended.

At GTOFRP™, we offer customized bending services using precision heated molds during the pultrusion or post-cure phase to meet your project specifications.

3. Installation and Fixing Methods

Fiberglass rebar can be installed similarly to traditional rebar but requires compatible fixing components due to its non-metallic nature.

Fixing accessories include:

• Plastic or composite ties: Corrosion-proof and non-conductive

• Nylon or zip ties: For light-duty fixings

• Non-metallic spacers and chairs: Maintain proper cover distance

• Epoxy-compatible couplers: For joining long sections

Avoid using steel tie wire, as it compromises the non-metallic integrity and may introduce galvanic corrosion in harsh environments.

4. Site Handling and Installation Tips

To maintain the performance of fiberglass rebar during installation, the following practices are essential:

• Storage: Keep bars covered and off the ground to avoid UV degradation and contamination.

• Transport: Use soft straps; avoid dragging bars on rough surfaces.

• Drilling and anchoring: Use a diamond-tipped drill when anchoring bars into concrete.

• Thermal expansion: Fiberglass bars have a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to concrete, reducing cracking risks. No special joint detailing is usually needed.

Note: Always follow the ACI 440.5R guidelines for field handling and placement of FRP bars in reinforced concrete.