Title:
Concrete Q&A: GFRP Misconceptions—Part 2
Author(s):
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
47
Issue:
12
Appears on pages(s):
81-84
Keywords:
bar, reinforcing, design, manufacture
DOI:
10.14359/51749341
Date:
12/1/2025
Abstract:
This is the second in the series of Q&A articles attempting to clarify some common questions and misconceptions about glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcing bars. Discussed topics include traceability, hybrid reinforcement, sustainability, elevated temperature and fire, seismic provisions, limitations, and splices and headed bars.
Related References:
1. ASTM D7957/D7957M-22, “Standard Specification for Solid Round Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars for Concrete Reinforcement,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2022, 5 pp.
2. ASTM D8505/8505M-23, “Standard Specification for Basalt and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bars for Concrete Reinforcement,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2023, 8 pp.
3. ACI Committee 440, “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars—Code and Commentary (ACI CODE-440.11-22),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2023, 260 pp.
4. ACI Committee 318, “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-19) and Commentary (ACI 318R-19) (Reapproved 2022),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2019, 624 pp.
5. NSF 1125-25, “Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Products – Rebar or Dowel Bars,” NSF International, Ann Arbor, MI, Oct. 2025, 27 pp.
6. CRSI, “Environmental Product Declaration: Steel Reinforcement Bar,” Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, Schaumburg, IL, Sept. 2022, 13 pp.
7. ACI/NEx, “MNL-6(23): Recommended Practice Guidelines for FRP Bars in Pre-Engineered Projects,” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2023, 80 pp.
8. Harries, K.A.; Ospina, C.E.; Marsh, M.L.; Alcocer, S.M.; and Kanitkar, R., “Challenges and Opportunities for the Seismic Design of Structural Concrete with GFRP Bars,” Concrete International, V. 47, No. 12, Dec. 2025, pp. 29-33
9. ICC-ES, “AC552: Acceptance Criteria for Mechanical Splice Systems for Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bars,” ICC Evaluation Service, LLC, Brea, CA, Oct. 2023, 6 pp.
10. CSA S807:19 (R2024), “Specification for Fibre-Reinforced Polymers,” CSA Group, Toronto, ON, Canada, 2019, 67 pp.