The Use of GFRP Reinforcement in Bridge Barriers


The barrier wall is one of the major safety elements in highway bridges. Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) is an excellent alternative to reinforcing steel bars in bridge decks to overcome steel corrosion-related problems. Since it is less expensive than carbon and other forms of FRPs, fiberglass rebar is more attractive to bridge deck and barrier applications.

Over the last decade, both bridge decks and barriers are being internally reinforced with GFRP reinforcement which is a corrosion-free construction material. The design of barriers and bridge decks with internal fiberglass reinforcement was incorporated and established in current CSA-S6-06 code provision.

The function of concrete bridge barrier is to redirect vehicles in a controlled manner in the event of a collision. The barrier must be strong enough to withstand the impact of the collision and redirect the vehicle effectively. Traditionally, bridge barriers are reinforced with steel. However, corrosion and concrete deterioration has always been a major problem wherever structural engineers use steel to build concrete members. The leading researchers have acknowledged GFRP reinforcement as a sustainable alternative to steel reinforcement.

Fiberglass rebar is now being used widely in Canada and across the globe especially in conditions where durability and corrosion are prime concerns. The behavior of concrete bridge barriers reinforced with fiberglass rebar has been investigated by leading universities in Canada. The performance of GFRP-reinforced concrete barriers was compared with that of their steel counterparts. The results show that GFRP rebar is a dependable as well as sustainable concrete reinforcement solution for civil engineering applications such as bridge barriers and decks.

The design process of bridge barriers specified in the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Codes is guided by LRFD Bridge Design and AASHTO Guide Specification for bridge railings and designing traffic barriers. The construction industry is using GFRP technology increasingly due to promising properties of GFRP composites and the provision of detailed design codes for GFRP-reinforced concrete barriers.

However, there is a need for design codes describing the repair of damaged GFRP-reinforced concrete barrier walls. Though concrete structures reinforced with fiberglass rebar are less susceptible to harsh environmental conditions, they are not immune to damage caused by road accidents.

Corrosion of steel reinforcement due to harsh environmental factors is a major reason why bridge barriers deteriorate. GFRP fiberglass rebar not only provides incredibly high tensile strength and Young’s modulus but also addresses sustainability problems.

TUF-BAR Fiberglass Rebar

We manufacture and sell superior quality GFRP rebar that effectively extends the life of your concrete structure be it a concrete bridge, LRT, or barrier walls. We also produce corrosion-free rock bolts, form ties, and concrete anchors. Visit our site to learn more about innovative construction solutions!