Thermoplastic GFRP for Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete

This study focuses on the development of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforcement made with thermoplastic (TP) resin to be deployed in Reinforced Concrete (RC) and Prestressed Concrete (PC) members. GFRP bars made with thermosetting resin are an effective corrosion-resistant solution with positive implications on the durability and sustainability of RC structures. However, the use of thermosetting resin makes manufacturing of complex shapes difficult, generates an inevitable amount of waste during the production process, and prevents recycling the material at the end of its life cycle. The use of TP resin may have a disruptive impact on the industry. It may ease manufacturing, allow the creation of twisted strands for prestressing applications, and promote a steel-like logistic chain that separates the roles of manufacturer and constructor. This paper explores the challenges related to the development of TP-GFRP reinforcement in the form of a 5-mm wire, a 15.2-mm twisted strand, and a 12-mm reinforcing bar.