FRP Rebar Size Guide: Understanding Fiberglass Rebar Dimensions from #3 to #10

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Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) rebar is increasingly replacing traditional steel in infrastructure and civil engineering projects due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Understanding the sizing of fiberglass rebar is essential for accurate design, procurement, and construction.

1. Standard Sizing: Imperial vs Metric

In the United States and many Western markets, fiberglass rebar sizes are commonly labeled using the "#" (number) system—such as #3, #4, or #5. These correspond to approximate bar diameters in eighths of an inch. For example:

US SizeApprox. Diameter (inch)Metric (mm, rounded)
#33/8 inch10 mm
#41/2 inch13 mm
#55/8 inch16 mm
#63/4 inch19 mm
#81 inch25 mm
#101-1/4 inch32 mm

In China and many other countries, metric sizing is standard, with bar diameters specified in millimeters (mm). For convenience, common U.S. sizes are often rounded to the nearest whole millimeter. For example, #4 bar (1/2 inch) is typically referred to as 13mm or 12mm fiberglass rebar locally.

2. Application Scenarios by Size

  • 10mm (#3): Light structural use such as garden walls, pavements, or precast elements.

  • 13mm (#4): Widely used in bridge decks, highways, and structural reinforcements.

  • 16mm (#5): Suitable for industrial flooring, foundation slabs, and water treatment facilities.

  • 25mm (#8): Used in large-scale infrastructure such as dams, ports, and high-load footings.

  • 32mm (#10): Ideal for demanding applications requiring high tensile capacity and minimal deflection.

3. Weight Reference Table (Approximate, per meter)

While fiberglass rebar is significantly lighter than steel, knowing the weight per meter helps with planning and logistics. Below is a reference for common sizes:

Diameter (mm)Approx. Weight (kg/m)
10 mm0.14 kg
13 mm0.21 kg
16 mm0.29 kg
19 mm0.39 kg
25 mm0.61 kg
32 mm0.90 kg

Please note: Actual weight may vary slightly depending on fiber content and resin type.

4. Custom Sizes and Project Optimization

For unique applications, many manufacturers—including GTOFRP™—offer custom rebar diameters and lengths. When placing orders, always specify whether the measurement is in inches or millimeters, and consider rounding up to the nearest standard metric unit to simplify site work and quality checks.