Solid Round Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars For Concrete Reinforcement - Specification
Solid Round Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars For Concrete Reinforcement - Specification
Solid Round Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars For Concrete Reinforcement - Specification
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Indian Standard
BIS 2023
FOREWORD
This Indian Standard was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft finalized by the Concrete
Reinforcement Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil Engineering Division Council.
This standard has been formulated to cover requirements for glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars for
concrete reinforcement. GFRP bars are used across the world as an alternative to steel bars in reinforced
concrete. Recently, India is also witnessing the manufacturing and use of such bars. However, their use in
concrete has to be judiciously decided based on the design specifications associated with various physical,
chemical and mechanical properties. This standard contains only specifications for type of fibres, resin and
required minimum physical, chemical and mechanical properties of GFRP bars. It describes the permitted
constituent materials, limits on constituent volumes, and minimum performance requirements for GFRP bars to
be used as reinforcement for non-prestressed concrete. Guidance on deciding a suitable resin and fibre material
shall be evaluated based on this standard. Standards on test methods and design provisions of using GFRP bars
should complement this standard.
The GFRP bars in accordance with this standard may be used for applications in reinforced concrete elements
with low-risk (that is, where consequences of failure are less, as judged by the engineer in-charge). Examples of
such elements include slab-on-grade (say, pavements and floorings), drainage structures, fences, and manhole
covers. For suitable application of these reinforcing bars in roads, highways and bridges, relevant
guidelines/standards of Indian Roads Congress may be referred to.
The Engineer in-Charge shall certify or obtain certification stating that the specific concrete elements reinforced
with GFRP bars can meet the target criteria on serviceability, strength, and durability for the design life of such
elements.
Assistance has been derived from the following standards and publications in the preparation of this standard:
a) ASTM D7957/D7957M-22 Standard specification for solid round glass fiber reinforced polymer bars for
concrete reinforcement;
b) ACI SPEC-440.6-08(17)(22) Specification for carbon and glass fiber-reinforced polymer bar materials
for concrete reinforcement;
c) ACI CODE-440.11-22 – Building code requirements for structural concrete reinforced with glass fiber
reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars — Code and commentary; and
d) ‘Design Manual No. 3 Reinforcing concrete structures with fiber reinforced polymers’ by ISIS Canada
Research Network (September 2007).
This standard contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 — Industry, innovation and
infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster
innovation.
The composition of the Committee and the Working Group responsible for formulation of this standard is given
in Annex D.
For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with, the final value,
observed or calculated, in reporting the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with
IS 2 : 2022 ‘Rules for rounding off numerical values (second revision)’. The number of significant places retained
in the rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.
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IS 18256 : 2023
Indian Standard
SOLID ROUND GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED POLYMER
(GFRP) BARS FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT —
SPECIFICATION
1
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IS 18256 : 2023
surface treatment that provides means of sizing and coupling agents shall be compatible with
mechanically transmitting force between the bar and the resin system used to impregnate.
the concrete surrounding the bar in such
construction. 4.3.1.2 The following types of glass are permitted to
be used in GFRP bars:
3.14 Test, Certification — An optional test,
specified by the purchaser, to certify that the a) E-CR glass — Chemically resistant
material provided for a given project meets the conventional glass; and
requirements of the standard. b) R glass — High strength glass.
3.15 Test, Qualification — A test completed under A comparison of the chemical compositions and
the supervision of the manufacturer to ensure physical properties of the above glass fibres used for
conformance of the material to the requirements of manufacturing GFRP bars is given in Annex B for
a standard. information.
2
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4.4 Manufacturing Process and Safety accordance with the method given in IS 18255 shall
not be less than 95 percent.
The manufacturer shall produce GFRP bars using
variations of the pultrusion process. Process or 5.4 Bar Sizes and Surface Enhancements
material modifications are not permitted during the
production of a single lot. The manufacturer shall 5.4.1 The following surface patterns on the GFRP
document the general process used and report the bars shall be permitted:
date of production and production lot size in the
Manufacturer’s Test Certificate (MTC), as per the a) Sand coated surface;
template given in Annex A. b) Braided surface;
c) Spiral wound ribbed surface;
The manufacturing facility and the manufacturing
d) Indented surface; and
processes shall be such to ensure necessary air
e) Machined/milled surface.
quality and include safety practices. Suitable work
practices shall be followed to avoid harmful
5.4.2 The nominal diameter, nominal cross-sectional
exposure to air-borne particulate matter generated
area, the minimum and maximum measured
during the manufacturing (say, cutting, fuzz) of
cross-sectional area, and minimum guaranteed
GFRP bars. Personal protective equipment shall be
ultimate tensile force of GFRP bars shall be as given
provided to workers to prevent their exposure to
in Table 1.
fibres. Pictorial warning sign/precautionary notices
shall be provided at suitable places of manufacturing
5.4.3 The measured (calculated) diameter of a GFRP
to caution the workers that handling of fibres
bar is equivalent to that of a smooth round bar
without PPEs may cause serious damage to health.
having the same area as the GFRP bar measured in
Adequate equipment for extracting air-borne
accordance with IS 18255.
particles shall be installed.
5.4.4 The nominal diameter of a GFRP bar to be
5 PHYSICAL AND GEOMETRICAL
used for designation and design shall be equal to the
PROPERTIES
calculated diameter. When the calculated diameter
5.1 Fibre Content does not correspond to one of the nominal values
given in Table 1, the next immediately smaller
When determined in accordance with IS 18255, the
nominal diameter given in Table 1 shall be used.
fibre content (mass fraction) of the GFRP bar shall
not be less than 75 percent. The fibres in the bars 5.4.5 For the bars with spiral wound ribbed surface,
should be as straight as possible.
the pitch (centre-to-centre) and cross-sectional
dimensions of the spiral ribs shall be such that the
5.2 Glass Transition Temperature
required bar-concrete bond strength is achieved for
The glass transition temperature, Tg, shall be specific applications.
measured on a suitable piece cut from the
as-produced bar using the differential scanning 5.5 Tolerance on Nominal Mass and Dimension
calorimetry (DSC) method, as given in
IS 18255. The glass transition temperature of the The measured cross-sectional area of the bar shall be
cured resin so determined shall not be less than determined in accordance with IS 18255 and shall
100 °C (see Note). be measured on the as-manufactured bar, including
surface enhancements. The measured cross-
NOTE — This temperature does not represent the
maximum permitted service temperature and is intended for sectional area shall be within the minimum and
purchaser’s quality assurance only. This standard does not maximum area limits provided in Table 1.
currently designate maximum service temperatures of
GFRP bars. Individual manufacturers should be consulted
6 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
to determine the appropriate maximum service temperature
for each product. 6.1 Ultimate Tensile Force
5.3 Degree of Cure When determined in accordance with IS 18255, the
The degree of cure when determined using test ultimate tensile force shall meet the requirement
specimens cut from the as-produced bar in given in Table 2 or Table 3 as applicable (see 9).
3
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IS 18256 : 2023
6.2 Tensile Modulus of Elasticity bond strength shall meet the requirement given in
Table 2.
When determined in accordance IS 18255, the
tensile modulus of elasticity shall meet the 6.6 Fatigue Tensile Strength
requirement given in Table 2 or Table 3 as
applicable (see 9). The residual tensile strength of bars, when tested
after fatigue loading at a stress range of 15 percent
6.3 Ultimate Tensile Strain to 45 percent of the ultimate tensile strength for
2 million cycles, shall meet the requirement given in
The ultimate tensile strain shall be calculated by Table 2. The ultimate tensile strength shall be
dividing the ultimate tensile force by the product of calculated by dividing ultimate tensile force by
the nominal cross-sectional area and tensile modulus measured cross-sectional area.
of elasticity. The ultimate tensile strain so
calculated shall meet the requirement given in 6.7 Creep Failure
Table 2 or Table 3 as applicable (see 9).
When determined in accordance with IS 18255, the
6.4 Transverse Shear Strength GFRP bar shall meet the requirement given in
Table 2.
When determined in accordance with IS 18255, the
transverse shear strength shall meet the requirement 7 DURABILITY PROPERTIES
given in Table 2.
7.1 Moisture Absorption
6.5 Bond Strength
When determined in accordance with IS 18255, the
When determined in accordance with IS 18255 the short term (24 h immersion) moisture absorption
4
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IS 18256 : 2023
shall meet the requirement given in Table 2 or long straight piece from a bent bar, the ultimate
Table 3 as applicable (see 9) and the long term tensile force and tensile modulus of elasticity of the
moisture absorption shall meet the requirement extracted straight portion shall be determined as per
given in Table 2. 11 of IS 18255 and shall meet the requirements
given in Table 2 and Table 3, as applicable (see 9).
7.2 Resistance to Alkaline Environment
8.2.4 When it is not possible to extract a sufficiently
The residual ultimate tensile force after exposure to long straight piece from a bent bar, the ultimate
the alkaline environment when determined in tensile force of the 90° bent bar shall be determined
accordance with IS 18255 shall meet the in accordance with 20 of IS 18255 and shall meet
requirement given in Table 2. the requirements given in Table 2 and Table 3, as
applicable (see 9).
7.3 Longitudinal Wicking
Longitudinal wicking when determined in 9 SAMPLING AND FREQUENCY OF
accordance with IS 18255 shall meet the TESTING
requirement given in Table 2.
9.1 Product Qualification
8 REQUIREMENTS FOR BENT BARS
9.1.1 For the determination of the mean and
8.1 Bending of bars should be prohibited at site. guaranteed properties as given in Table 2, at least
24 samples shall be obtained in groups of eight or
8.2 Properties of Bends more, from three or more different production lots.
8.2.1 Geometric properties for bent bars shall be as For creep and fatigue tests, the number of samples
given in Table 1. shall be as decided by the purchaser and the
manufacturer. Samples to be used for preparing test
8.2.2 Ultimate tensile force of 90° bent bar shall specimens shall be selected by the manufacturer on
meet the requirement given in Table 1. random basis. The mean and guaranteed properties
shall satisfy the limits as given in Table 2.
8.2.3 When it is possible to extract a sufficiently
1) Coefficient of variation of the properties tested should not be more than 0.1.
2)
These tests are mandatory only for creep and fatigue sensitive applications.
5
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IS 18256 : 2023
9.1.2 Product qualification tests shall be repeated in Table 4. Number of specimens in one sample
whenever a change is made in the chemical shall be as per IS 18255. Each individual sample
composition of the individual constituents or shall satisfy the property limits as given in Table 3.
composite bar or the method of manufacture, or
when a new size is to be introduced. Even if there 9.2.3 If an individual test result is not within the
are no such changes, these tests shall be done at least limits given in Table 3, that production
once every three years for all the bar sizes lot/consignment shall be rejected as not meeting this
manufactured during the period. standard.
10 MANUFACTURER’S TEST CERTIFICATE
9.1.3 If the purchaser intends to perform additional
or independent product qualification testing, the The purchaser shall be furnished Manufacturer’s
need for additional test specimens shall be provided Test Certificate (MTC) in the template as given in
to the manufacturer. The manufacturer shall furnish Annex A stating that the samples representing each
requisite number of samples for carrying out these lot have been tested as indicated in this standard and
tests in accordance with IS 18255. The mean and the requirements have been met. The MTC shall
guaranteed properties shall satisfy the limits as given include the production lot number, traceable through
in Table 2. the identifying markings on the bundles/coils of
bars.
9.2 Quality Control and Certification
11 TRANSPORTATION, HANDLING, AND
9.2.1 Quality control and certification tests as STORAGE
specified in Table 3 are carried out to assess the 11.1 GFRP bars of diameter 12 mm or less shall be
properties of a suitable sample size of bars for the either transported in coils or straight lengths. Bars of
purpose of acceptance of production lots at diameter more than 12 mm shall be transported in
manufacturing units or consignment lot at bundles of 8 m or 12 m length within a tolerance of
construction sites. + 75
mm. While transporting and storing the bar
− 25
bundles, care shall be taken such that the bar
9.2.2 For the determination of each of the property, bundles are well-separated and protected from
random samples shall be obtained from each abrasion and sunlight. The general handling and
production lot or consignment. Samples of sufficient storage guidelines for GFRP bars shall be as given
length shall be cut from each size of the finished bar in Annex C.
at random at a frequency not less than that specified
6
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IS 18256 : 2023
11.2 The maximum total unrepaired visible damage provided on each bar at an interval of every two
permitted on each linear metre of each GFRP bar metres.
shall not exceed 2 percent of the surface area in that
linear metre of bar. The depth of the permissible 12.1.2 Identification of Bundles/Coils
damage shall not exceed 0.1 mm.
For each bundle/coil of GFRP bars, a tag shall be
12 IDENTIFICATION AND MARKING attached indicating name of the manufacturer or
their brand name, registered trade-mark, bar size
12.1 The manufacturer or supplier shall have designation, minimum guaranteed ultimate tensile
bundles/coils of bars marked in such a way that all force of bar, production lot number and month and
finished bars can be traced to the batch from which year of manufacturing.
they were made.
12.1.3 BIS Certification Marking
12.1.1 Marking on Bars
GFRP bars conforming to the requirements of this
All bars should be identifiable by marks/
standard may be certified as per the conformity
brands introduced during manufacturing. Indelible
assessment schemes under the provisions of
and legible identification marks that include name of
the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and the
the manufacturer or their brand name, registered
Rules and Regulations framed thereunder, and the
trade-mark, bar size designation and minimum
bars may be marked with the Standard Mark.
guaranteed ultimate tensile force of bar shall be
7
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IS 18256 : 2023
ANNEX A
(Clauses 4.2, 4.4 and 10)
TEMPLATE FOR MANUFACTURER’S TEST CERTIFICATE (MTC) FOR SOLID ROUND GLASS
FIBRE REINFORCED POLYMER (GFRP) BARS FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT
MANUFACTURER’S TEST CERTIFICATE (MTC) FOR SOLID ROUND GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED
POLYMER (GFRP) BARS FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT
Approved by Other:
Date:
(Name and signature)
It is certified that material described in Part A and delivered as per the above details, fully conforms to chemical, physical,
mechanical, and durability properties of the GFRP bars, as stipulated in IS 18256. Samples representing each production
lot have been tested and inspected as indicated in the Indian Standard and the results of the various tests conducted as per
IS 18255 are provided in Part B of this MTC.
8
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MANUFACTURER’S TEST CERTIFICATE (MTC) FOR SOLID ROUND GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED
POLYMER (GFRP) BARS FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT (Continued)
PART A — GENERAL
Product Details
9
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IS 18256 : 2023
MANUFACTURER’S TEST CERTIFICATE (MTC) FOR SOLID ROUND GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED
POLYMER (GFRP) BARS FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT (Concluded)
10
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IS 18256 : 2023
ANNEX B
(Clause 4.3.1.2)
TYPICAL CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GLASS FIBRES
B-1 A comparison of the chemical compositions and physical properties of the various types of glass fibres used
for manufacturing GFRP bars are given in Table 5 and Table 6, respectively for information only.
11
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IS 18256 : 2023
ANNEX C
(Clause 11.1)
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING AND STORAGE OF GFRP BARS
C-1 The general handling and storage guidelines for d) GFRP bars should not be stored directly on
GFRP bars shall be as given below: the ground. It should be placed on timber
pallets (to avoid dirt and mud) to ensure
a) Use heavy duty (leather) gloves while cleanliness and easy handling.
handling GFRP reinforcing bar as the
e) Avoid walking over the GFRP bars as it can
fibres present in GFRP bars can cause
damage the surface. Avoid surface
splinters, cuts, and skin irritation. Wear
damage/deep scoring on GFRP bar surface
safety glasses and dust masks while cutting
during handling/placement, as it will
the GFRP bar.
reduce their durability and load carrying
b) Do not shear the bars while cutting as this capacity. Avoid dropping of shovel/
typically causes matrix cracking and fibre construction equipment on GFRP rebar
damage. Avoid unnecessary abrasion of surface.
GFRP bars by dragging or rubbing against f) Store the GFRP bars carefully and protect
other bars, as this may degrade their tensile against deformation, heating, and exposure
strength and adversely affect the surface to sunlight/ultraviolet rays, which can
characteristics. degrade the GFRP bars. Hence, GFRP bars
c) GFRP bars should be kept clean and free of shall be supplied in UV resistant stretch
oil, dust, chemicals, or other contaminants. wrap. Also, when exposed to temperatures
Certain specific chemicals [such as methyl above 50 °C and stored outdoors, GFRP
ethyl ketones, carbon disulphide, gasoline, bars should be covered with opaque
solvents (for certain polymers)] can covering materials.
damage GFRP bars. Hence, such chemical g) Lift the bundles of bars with multiple
exposure should be avoided. points. Use spreader bars needed to prevent
excessive bending of bundles.
12
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IS 18256 : 2023
ANNEX D
(Foreword)
COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
Concrete Reinforcement Sectional Committee, CED 54
Organization Representative(s)
In Personal Capacity (No. 17, Nalanda Apartments, SHRI G. SHARAN (Chairperson)
D-Block, Vikaspuri, New Delhi - 110018)
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, New Delhi SHRI NAVNEET KUMAR KOTHARI
SHRI SANJEEV KUMAR GARG (Alternate)
13
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IS 18256 : 2023
Organization Representative(s)
Indian Association of Structural Engineers, SHRI HARI OM GUPTA
New Delhi SHRI MANOJ K. MITTAL (Alternate)
Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, New Delhi SHRI AJAY AGARWAL
SHRI S. K. PRADHAN (Alternate)
14
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Organization Representative(s)
National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology, SHRI RAJIB KUMAR PAUL
Mandi Gobindgarh SHRI SANDEEP PAL SINGH (Alternate)
15
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IS 18256 : 2023
Organization Representative(s)
BIS Directorate General SHRI ARUNKUMAR S., SCIENTIST 'E'/DIRECTOR
AND HEAD (CIVIL ENGINEERING) [REPRESENTING
DIRECTOR GENERAL (Ex-officio)]
Member Secretary
SHRIMATI MADHURIMA MADHAV
SCIENTIST ‘D’/JOINT DIRECTOR
(CIVIL ENGINEERING), BIS
Working Group for Formulation of Standards for FRP Bars, CED 54/WG 5
Organization Representative(s)
Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai DR RADHAKRISHNA G. PILLAI (Convener)
Arc Insulations and Insulators Pvt Ltd, Kolkata SHRI MANISH BAJORIA
16
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BIS is a statutory institution established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 to promote harmonious
development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and attending to
connected matters in the country.
Copyright
BIS has the copyright of all its publications. No part of these publications may be reproduced in any form without
the prior permission in writing of BIS. This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the
standard, of necessary details, such as symbols and sizes, type or grade designations. Enquiries relating to
copyright be addressed to the Head (Publication & Sales), BIS.
Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on the basis of comments. Standards are also reviewed
periodically; a standard along with amendments is reaffirmed when such review indicates that no changes are
needed; if the review indicates that changes are needed, it is taken up for revision. Users of Indian Standards
should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendments or edition by referring to the website-
www.bis.gov.in or www.standardsbis.in.
This Indian Standard has been developed from Doc No.: CED 54 (19165).