Strength Showdown: Basalt Rebar vs. Fiberglass Rebar – Which One Prevails?

Oct / 13 / 2023

Basalt Fiber Rebar and Fiberglass Rebar are both types of composite reinforcement, and their manufacturing process is the same. The only difference is the raw material: Basalt Fiber Rebar is made of basalt fiber, while Fiberglass Rebar is made of glass fiber.

Basalt Fiber Rebar:

It is 2.5 times stronger than steel in tensile strength. It is 5 times lighter than steel. It is naturally resistant to alkali, rust, and acids. It has the same thermal coefficient expansion as concrete, which means it does not cause cracking due to temperature changes. It can withstand higher temperatures before weakening. It does not conduct electricity or induce fields when exposed to radio frequency, which makes it suitable for hospital or data center buildings.

Fiberglass Rebar:

It is up to 7 times lighter than steel in concrete flatwork applications, which reduces the load on the structure and the transportation cost. It does not corrode or rust even with minimal concrete coverage, which extends the service life of the structure. It has 2 times the tensile strength of steel. It does not require heat treatment or welding like steel, which simplifies the installation process. It is non-conductive and non-magnetic, which eliminates the risk of electric shock or interference with sensitive equipment.

In terms of technical features, the only difference between basalt rebar and GFRP bars is the temperature limit. Fiberglass rebar and mesh do not lose their properties at temperatures up to 200 °C, while basalt reinforcement can withstand up to 400 °C. However, both types of fibers are coated with the same compound when producing. The thermal tolerance of this compound is more important than the fiber itself. Therefore, there is no significant difference between the use of fiberglass and basalt rebar in terms of thermal tolerance.

In conclusion, both Basalt Fiber Rebar and Fiberglass Rebar have their own advantages and are superior to steel rebar in many aspects. The choice between them depends on the specific requirements of your project.

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