Title:
Concrete Q&A: GFRP Misconceptions—Part 1
Author(s):
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
47
Issue:
10
Appears on pages(s):
93-96
Keywords:
reinforcing, bar, code, test
DOI:
10.14359/51749217
Date:
10/1/2025
Abstract:
This is the first in the series of Q&A articles clarifying some common questions and misconceptions about glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcing bars. Discussed topics include codes and standards for GFRP bars, requirements and testing, degradation mechanisms, construction, bending, and tariffs and supply.
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. AC454 (24), “Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bars for Internal Reinforcement of Concrete Members,” ICC Evaluation Service, LLC, Washington, DC, 2025, 11 pp.
4. 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.
5. “2024 International Building Code (IBC),” International Code Council, Washington, DC, 2024, 753 pp.
6. AASHTO, LRFD Bridge Design Guide Specifications for GFRP-Reinforced Concrete, second edition, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Washington, DC, 2018, 122 pp.
7. AASHTO, LRFD Guide Specifications for the Design of FRP Pedestrian Bridges, second edition, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Washington, DC, 2025, 83 pp.
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10. CSA S806:12(R2021), “Design and Construction of Building Components with FRP,” CSA Group, Toronto, ON, Canada, 2012, 201 pp.
11. ASTM D2584-18, “Standard Test Method for Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced Resins,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2018, 3 pp.
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13. ASTM E1356-08(2014), “Standard Test Method for Assignment of the Glass Transition Temperatures by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (Withdrawn 2023),” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2008, 4 pp.
14. ASTM D570-22, “Standard Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2022, 4 pp.
15. ASTM D7705/D7705M-12(2019), “Standard Test Method for Alkali Resistance of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Matrix Composite Bars used in Concrete Construction,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2012, 5 pp.
16. ASTM D7205/D7205M-06, “Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Bars,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2006, 12 pp.
17. ASTM D7617/D7617M-11(2017), “Standard Test Method for Transverse Shear Strength of Fiber-reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Bars,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2011, 12 pp.
18. ASTM D7913/D7913M-14(2020), “Standard Test Method for Bond Strength of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Bars to Concrete by Pullout Testing” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2014, 9 pp.
19. TMS 402/602-22, “Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures,” The Masonry Society, Fort Collins, CO, 2022.
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21. ACI/NEx, “MNL-6(23): Recommended Practice Guidelines for FRP Bars in Pre-Engineered Projects,” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2023, 80 pp.
22. ACI Committee 117, “Specification for Tolerances for Concrete Construction and Materials (ACI SPEC-117-10) and Commentary (Reapproved 2015),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2010, 76 pp.
23. ACI Committee 440, “Construction with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Reinforcing Bars—Specification (ACI SPEC-440.5-22),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2022, 10 pp.