Mateenbar® Collaborates Across the Composites Industry to Address Fiberglass Rebar Misconceptions
Across the concrete and construction sectors, we’re seeing something refreshing: manufacturers, engineers, and material scientists coming together to address misconceptions about glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), or fiberglass rebar.
As the use of GFRP continues to grow in infrastructure, transportation, and durability-driven projects, it’s become increasingly important that the industry shares unified, accurate information—regardless of the manufacturer.
That’s why we were proud to have contributed to a recent series of Concrete Q&As in Concrete International, where experts across the field are working collaboratively to clarify how and where GFRP should be used.
Some of the questions/myths addressed in the CI articles include:
- GFRP reinforcing bars are not approved for use, so it will be harder for me to experiment; is that true?
- What are the physical, mechanical, and durability tests that GFRP reinforcing bars must meet?
- GFRP doesn’t have any residential codes/standards though, right?
- Traceability: Once the bars get to the project site, how will I be able to tell which products are which?
- Hybrid reinforced members with steel and GFRP: Am I allowed to use steel reinforcing bars and GFRP reinforcing bars together in the same structure or structural element?
- Sustainability: Is there an embodied carbon benefit to using GFRP reinforcing bars?
- Production and availability: Where are GFRP reinforcing bars manufactured and where can I find them?
- What should I know about the differences in material properties between GFRP reinforcing bar manufacturers?
These articles reinforce what we strongly believe: GFRP is not the right material for every application—but when it’s appropriate, it offers significant structural, durability, and sustainability advantages.
In the Q&As, Danielle Kleinhans, Ph.D., P.E., F.ACI, Mateenbar’s Director of Engineering and Business Development, provides clear, engineering-backed explanations that help separate fact from misconception.
Whether discussing bond behavior, strength characteristics, code acceptance, or practical installation considerations, Dr. Kleinhans brings a grounded, research-based perspective that benefits the entire industry.
Her responses support several of the most common GFRP questions—questions we also address in our own Mateenbar® FAQs.
At Mateenbar®, we view education as one of our core responsibilities. Informing engineers, contractors, and owners about GFRP isn’t just about Mateenbar® products—it’s about helping the industry make better, more informed decisions.
When the entire sector has access to accurate and consistent information, everyone wins: designers gain confidence, owners gain durability, and projects gain longevity.
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of GFRP or want quick answers to common technical questions, we encourage you to explore our Mateenbar® FAQs as a next step.
Together—through shared knowledge, transparent communication, and continued research—we can advance the thoughtful, appropriate use of GFRP in reinforced concrete design.
