A money-saving, high-strength alternative to traditional reinforcing bar that is a quarter of the weight of the same size of steel product is being introduced to Australia by Technofast.
The high quality South Korean Dong Shin Materials Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebar product typically increases work speed 2-2.5 times, while imposing less load burden on buildings and structures, says Technofast Founder and CEO, John Bucknell.
The GFRP, for which Technofast is exclusive Australian distributor, is also safer to handle and install, as well as being versatile for architects, builders, and engineers to use on diverse projects, including those with Electro-Magnetic Field (EMF) issues. It is produced by one of the world’s most advanced GFRP plants into which extensive R&D and GFRP mass-production technology has been invested over the last five years to offer proven, quality, cost-efficient product.
“This GFRP rebar is a proven product in service in a multitude of applications, including precasts, bridges, roads, rail, tunnel, tank, dam, dock, flood mitigation, tetrapod (four-legged) structures, factories, logistics centres, modular construction, civil works, infrastructure, tower base, and other domestic, commercial, and industrial applications, and particularly tower structures,” said Bucknell.
Technofast’s link with Korea’s high quality manufacturing, engineering, energy, and construction sectors extends over more than 20 years, including exports of its EziTite® speed and safety-oriented hydraulic fastening systems. EziTite has been used in Korea’s nuclear power plants and in broader precision and speed applications globally, particularly in Asia and North America in construction, manufacturing, primary processing, mining, resources, and energy applications.
Mass manufacturing reduces costs
“GFRP rebar used to be more expensive than steel rebar, but new mass production technology in a new plant permits manufacture at a highly competitive price,” says Bucknell.
The 5000 sq m plant specialises in advanced technologies including GFRP, nanomaterials, secondary battery material, EMI shielding, and machine R&D,” he says.
“Advanced production technology has cut the time involved in manufacturing. Time also equals cost in construction project cycles, where GFRP rebar not only saves material costs, but also transport, fossil fuel pollution, labour at a time of labour shortages, and heavy equipment costs.
Further benefits include compliance with the major relevant standards in Asia, the US, and Europe, with guidance on specific types of projects in Australia available through Technofast, which is widely experienced across a broad spectrum of safety, traceability, compliance, and sustainability requirements.
Curtailing electro-magnetic interference
One of the advantages of GFRP rebar that attracted John Bucknell’s attention in energy applications is its curtailment of electro-magnetic interference (EMI).
“GFRP is a groundbreaking but proven product with outstanding cost, safety, and time-saving benefits – for a great number of suitable applications, on which we can advise.
“Our distribution of this product complements perfectly our own manufacturing and distribution of Technofast’s wide range of hydraulic fastening, safety, and maintenance ranges to a large range of established customer bases across mining and energy, manufacturing and maintenance, construction and civil engineering, primary processing and materials handling, water and wastewater, and ports, electrical and communication infrastructure. Many existing customers may also have a need for this innovative, safe, and rapidly installed product.”
“In addition to the safety benefits relating to musculoskeletal injuries, use of this material in the applications for which it is suited reduces rebar manufacturing carbon emissions by more than half conservatively, ranging up to 75 per cent as estimated by its smart energy manufacturers, which also produces solar energy systems.
A more sustainable option
GFRP rebar’s sustainability credentials include reduction of waste caused by traditional reinforced concrete’s vulnerability in some applications to salt, moisture, chemicals, and factors that can produce waste due to frequent maintenance.
Recycled plastic can be employed in different applications for GFRP rebar. In addition to the high-strength plastic resins employed, such as vinyl ester and epoxy, recycled PET can be used as a raw material for GFRP rebar production.
The amount of heat and energy required to produce the product, compared with steel is also substantially reduced, says Bucknell.
“With so many environmental, safety, performance, and cost-saving advantages, this is a future-focused material relevant to a huge range of applications across Australia’s major industries.”
About us:
Technofast Industries is a worldwide leader and specialist in Bolt Tensioning, providing innovative and effective technical solutions along with uncompromising customer service. Its export achievements and commitment to innovation have won it customers in Australia and worldwide, including providing technology to the manufacturer of the new GFRP rebar.
Contact details:
Jack Mallen-Cooper
PR Consultant
Whyte Public Relations
(02) 9901 4306
whytepr@whytepr.com.au
