Comparison of the Behavior of Glass Fiber Reinforcement Polymer and Steel as a Reinforcement Material

Project Title

Comparison of the Behavior of Glass Fiber Reinforcement Polymer and Steel as a Reinforcement Material

Project Area of Specialization Electrical/Electronic EngineeringProject Summary

Investment in infrastructure and innovation are the crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Steel is one of the main items in infrastructure industry, but every tone of steel produces 1.83% of Carbon dioxide which contributes 1.5% of global carbon emission.

Also steel corrosion is a costly problem in fact the annual direct cost of metallic corrosion worldwide is $2.2 trillion USD. Studies shows that 25% of construction failures happened due to corrosion of metal reinforcement.

Therefore it is the voice of sustainable development to use environmental friendly alternatives of steel such as GLASS FIBER REINFORMENT POLYMER (GFRP), which produces 43% of less carbon dioxide emission as compared to steel and is called as GREEN REBARS.

There are many alternatives of steel but high strength, low weight, durability, electrical non conductivity, non-corrosive last longer in tough environment make it unique and superior to others.

Due to non-conductivity of GFRP, Study should be taken by using it in electrical as well in civil infrastructure such as power houses, railway electrification system, and coastal environment infrastructure.

For this study GFRP rebars are used in beams instead of steel, proper design is made by considering the standard ACI codes.

Tests performed on locally manufactured GFRP rebars (only 2 manufacturing industries are present in Pakistan, due to negligible work on this project in Pakistan) and the results were then compared with that of standard one.

Further tests should be performed as our FYP is still in progress.

Project Objectives

The objective behind this project is to use Glass Fiber Reinforcement Polymer (GFRP) rebars instead of steel is to reduce Global Warming and corrosion related issues.

Main objectives of this project.

• To reduce 43% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission to the environment by steel industry, using GFRP(Glass Fiber Reinforcement Polymer) instead of steel.
• Cashing the non-corrosive nature of GFRP, as global cost of corrosion is estimated US$2505, 3.4% of global GDP.
• To facilitate the power generation plants and scientific installations as GFRP is nonconductive to electricity and heat.
• To introduce GFRP to the infrastructure and construction industry of Pakistan.
• To increase the lifespan of structures beyond 50 years to reduce emissions and waste and ultimately our natural environment.
• To avoid the consumption of natural resources such as fresh water, river sand and crushed rock as GFRP allow the production of concrete using seawater, sea sand and sea aggregates

Project Implementation Method

Implantation of this project mainly needs the awareness about the green environment, climate change and the manufacturing of GFRP.

Steps for the project implementation method,

• Standardized test procedures
• Design specifications
• Construction procedures
• Manufacturing of GFRP on large scale
• Use of GFRP in construction by both public and private sectors.

Benefits of the Project

Benefits of the project;

• Alternative to steel will be introduced to the construction industry, modification of the material is possible for required strength and durability.
• It will generate revenue by manufacturing the Glass Fiber Reinforcement (GFRP) in local industry.
• The project will familiarize Electrical/Electronic and Construction industry to this non corrosive and nonconductive material.
• This project can help in low cost houses due to affordable price of GFRP.
• This project can bring the foreign investment due to its wide scope in construction and Electrical/Electronic industry.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Study is conducted in labs as well in field, following are the technical details.

• Tests performed to find the electrical non conductivity of GFRP and results are obtained.
• Thermal conductivity was find out, results shows it thermally nonconductive.
• Imperviousness to chloride was noted.
• Tensile stress were performed on different dia of bars.
• The strength, conductivity, effect of moisture, effect of heat were noted by using the Glass Fiber Reinforcement Rebar’s (GFRP) in beams.

All the tests were performed on the locally manufactured Glass Fiber Reinforcement Polymer (GFRP) and the results were then compared with the standard results.

Final Deliverable of the Project Hardware SystemCore Industry OthersOther Industries Manufacturing , Transportation Core Technology OthersOther Technologies Big DataSustainable Development Goals Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate ActionRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	59270
GFRP rebars	Equipment	150	201	30150
Steel rebar	Equipment	30	204	6120
Cement	Equipment	10	870	8700
Sand	Equipment	2	3000	6000
Travel Expenses	Miscellaneous	4	2000	8000
Meal Expenses	Miscellaneous	3	100	300