Assessing GFRP Rebars as a Sustainable Alternative to Steel in Aggressive Environments: Tensile Testing and Material Implications

Abstract:

Steel is the most used material for concrete reinforcement; however, it performs poorly in aggressive environments (e.g. coastal areas) owing to corrosion (moisture and chlorides). This study aims to analyse the tensile strength of steel and glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars through laboratory testing to assess their feasibility and application in construction. Steel bars were tested by ASTM E8/E8M–22, obtaining values of 606.61 MPa (Ecuador) and 676.46 MPa (Peru), whereas GFRP bars were tested following ASTM D7205/D7205M–21 (1,000 MPa). The analysis indicated that GFRP bars offer structural advantages (suitable for elements in coastal zones with low to moderate seismic activity), environmental benefits (lower CO₂ emissions during production), and enhanced durability (corrosion resistance).

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 1045)
• Pages: 131-138
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-yHFQP1
• Online since: March 2026
• Authors: Galo González-Robles, Josue Briones-Bitar, Paul Carrión-Mero*, Lucrecia Moreno-Alcívar
• Keywords: Composites, Concrete Structures, Glass Fiber, Steel, Tensile Strength

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