The Light Rebar Company, based in Guimarães, has developed a glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar for use in concrete construction. The composite material weighs four to five times less than steel and is resistant to corrosion, according to information published by the company and regional business network Guimarães Marca.
The rebar consists of glass fibres embedded in an epoxy resin matrix. Its outer surface incorporates a braided textile mesh designed to improve bonding with concrete. The product is manufactured using pultrusion, a process in which reinforcing fibres are drawn through a resin system and shaped into a continuous profile.
Unlike conventional steel reinforcement, GFRP does not rust. Its lower weight can also simplify transport and handling on construction sites, while its resistance to chemically aggressive environments may be beneficial in structures exposed to corrosive conditions. These properties can help reduce maintenance requirements over a structure's service life.
The material is intended as an alternative to steel reinforcement in suitable applications, rather than a universal replacement. GFRP has different mechanical properties from steel, meaning that structural engineers must account for these differences when designing reinforced concrete structures. International guidance, including ISO 14484:2020, addresses the assessment and design of concrete structures using fibre-reinforced polymer materials.
The development of the product reflects the application of composite materials in construction, particularly where reduced weight and corrosion resistance are important considerations.
