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In structures that are not subjected to chloride ion attack, steel rebar has historically been used as an effective and cost-efficient concrete reinforcement. However, this type of reinforcement is susceptible to rust, which leads to cracks, spalls and further deterioration of the slab. History and research data has proven that typical reinforcing steel materials do not necessarly provide a sustainable solution or may be cost prohibitive. Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials have emerged as a practical alternative material for producing reinforcing bars for concrete structures. V-rod, the registered TM for FRP composite rebar ISO 9002 produced by Pultrall Inc. (the only Canadian manufacturer), provides superior tensile strength and built-in corrosion resistance.
An ISIS Canada Committee recently published the "Guidelines for Product Certification of FRP Materials" of which Trancels is a member of. Pultrall's ongoing committment to improving manufacturing specifications and stringent quality control measures played a lead role in initiating this "Certification Process" to ensure FRP products were manufactured to the highest standards and prevent possibilities of new manufacturers entering the market with a "sub-standard" product. The Guideline also provides performance of various "grades" of FRP which will allow engineered designs to benefit from the superior mechanical properties of V-rod such as modulus (stiffness), tensile strength and bond strength. Optimization by using the improved V-rod tensile strength and modulus values can result in overall bar savings of 20% over competitors.
 
V-rod in pre-cast deck slabs (MTO NW Rgn) Electron microscope base at McMaster U
With V-rod being an Accepted product with the Ontario Provincial Standards (OPS/PMC), a "Materials and Construction Specification" is currently being compiled which will provide designers and engineers with a Standard for the design of structures using FRP reinforcement. For designers specifying GFRP on projects, this Standard will provide further ease of use in specifying and designing GFRP on their respective projects. Structures can be designed following currently available Codes and Standards that include the newly published CHBDC S-6/06, CSA S-806, ISIS Canada Design Manuals and the ACI 440.1.
See "V-rod Advantages" on side menu
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