Concrete structures deteriorate when the environmental loading on a structure exceeds the ability of a structure to resist the environmental loading. Corrosion can be prevented by either enhancing the ability of a structure to resist environment or by mitigating the intensity of environment. Corrosion is not solely associated with the environment as there are other factors such as fatigue, expensive reaction, freeze-thaw cycles, which can cause corrosion. In fact, there are a number of conditions that can seriously damage the integrity of concrete structures.

The corrosion-induced deterioration leads to cracking which makes it easy for water and other elements to penetrate and make a contact with the reinforcing bars. Steel reinforcing bars, unfortunately, do not provide protection against corrosive agents and concrete becomes vulnerable to deterioration. There is a combination of factors such as temperature, the resistivity of concrete, chlorides, humidity etc. that influence the corrosion of steel reinforcing bars. Corrosion can be controlled by controlling these factors.

One of the traditional ways to protect the reinforced concrete is to coat the steel bars with another product. However, the effectiveness of this technique is questionable. Cathodic protection and chloride ion extraction are corrosion control measures that are carried out in a rehabilitation process. However, these are temporary and costly corrosion-control measures. Following are some of the factors that need to be considered when selecting corrosion-control measures:

• The service life or durability of a measure
• Ease of installation
• Risk of unexpected outcomes
• The severity of environment
• Maintenance cost
• The quality of concrete cover

The significance of a permanent solution

The growing need for a reliable and long-term corrosion solution was clearly addressed by the advanced composite materials. The entry of FRP or composites in structural engineering has provided the world a solid solution to build corrosion-free concrete structures.

GFRP and the fight against corrosion

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) pultruded profiles have great potential in the construction industry, offering a number of advantages comparing with the conventional materials. One of the most acknowledged advantages of GFRP is improved durability under aggressive environments.

The remarkable ability of fiberglass bars to resist corrosion has gained popularity in civil engineering circles. As a perfect alternative to steel, timber, and other outdated reinforcing materials, GFRP has wide application prospects in the construction industry. From repair, strengthening, and seismic retrofitting to building new projects, GFRP bars have demonstrated great results so far as the serviceability, strength, and durability are concerned.

As compared with the short-term and ineffective corrosion-control measures, fiberglass reinforcement is now largely being used for the rehabilitation of the existing degraded concrete members made of traditional materials. Conclusively speaking, there are a number of techniques that can help you slow down the concrete deterioration process. However, it is advisable to go for long-term and dependable solutions. TUF-BAR is manufacturing the finest fiberglass rebar in North America, a cost-effective and sustainable concrete deterioration solution.