Frequently Asked Questions

To cut Greenbar2X™ or Mateenbar60™ GFRP rebar, use basic tools such as a fine-toothed saw, grinder, or diamond blade. Unlike steel, cutting these GFRP rebar products doesn’t produce sparks, ensuring a safer job site. Avoid using shears, as they can damage the fibers. The lightweight composition of both products makes cutting quick and efficient, saving time compared to traditional steel rebar. Always follow safety guidelines, including wearing gloves and eye protection, during the cutting process. With Mateenbar’s® range of products, you get the same easy handling and cutting experience, regardless of the application.

Greenbar2X™ is available in a range of standard sizes to suit various project requirements, including #3 (3/8″), #4 (1/2″), and #5 (5/8″) diameters. These sizes are designed to meet common residential and light commercial needs, such as driveways, patios, pool decks, and low walls. For additional specific size availability or custom requirements, please contact your supplier or distributor for detailed options.  For sizes greater than #5, we recommend using our Mateenbar60™ product.

Mateenbar® manufactures standard-grade bend shapes (90-degree bends) which can be ordered to meet your specific project requirements. Greenbar2X™ cannot be bent on-site; bends must be prefabricated which is typically how steel bends are supplied.   For most applications, pre-formed shapes or straight bars are sufficient, making Greenbar2X™ a reliable and versatile choice for construction projects. There are standard bend shapes we produce, and we generally recommend contacting our technical team who can optimize the bends for your project to minimize costs.

Mateenbar® GFRP has a lower modulus of elasticity compared to steel, meaning it stretches slightly more under the same load. To account for this in design, engineers may use slightly larger bar diameters or adjust the spacing of the rebar in the structure. These adjustments ensure that the concrete and reinforcement work together effectively, maintaining the same performance and durability as traditional steel designs. The flexibility of Mateenbar’s® GFRP design adaptability makes it a trusted choice for a wide range of applications. Design codes such as ACI 440.11 were developed specifically for the properties of GFRP rebar and are widely used in most applications.

Mixing fiberglass rebar and steel rebar in the same project is possible but should be done carefully, as each material has different mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and flexibility. ACI 440.11 does not allow for steel and GFRP to be combined in one design.  However, tunnel soft-eyes often mean that steel and GFRP rebars are blended together, with the soft-eye being 100% GFRP, but some of the surrounding reinforcement often being steel. Consulting an engineer to ensure compatibility and structural integrity is recommended.

While Mateenbar® offers significant advantages like being lightweight, rustproof, and highly effective in many applications, there are a few factors to keep in mind to ensure the best fit for your project. Unlike steel, Mateenbar® cannot be bent on-site due to its non-ductile nature; bends must be prefabricated (though many steel bends are also prefabricated). Additionally, while the upfront investment may differ from traditional steel, Mateenbar® often delivers long-term savings through reduced maintenance, improved construction productivity, and corrosion-free performance. With its numerous benefits—rustproof, lightweight, easier handling, and greater durability than steel—Mateenbar® is a smart, future-focused choice for construction projects.

Mateenbar® offers a significantly longer lifespan than traditional steel rebar due to its rustproof and corrosion-resistant composition. While steel is susceptible to rust and degradation over time, especially in harsh environments, Mateenbar® offers enhanced durability even in wet, salty, or chemically aggressive conditions. When installed and used properly, Mateenbar® can last the entire lifecycle of a concrete structure, often exceeding 75 to 100 years, with minimal maintenance required. This durability makes it a reliable and cost-effective choice for projects demanding long-term performance.

Mateenbar® is made of high-strength ECR glass fibers, which offers an excellent combination of strength, stiffness and durability. The glass fibers are pulled through a resin bath where they are fully saturated with Vinyl-ester resin, one of the strongest and most durable. This unique composition makes Mateenbar® suitable to deliver long-lasting performance in a wide range of residential and commercial construction applications.

Yes, Mateenbar® GFRP products are proudly manufactured in the USA at our production facility in North Carolina. This ensures compliance with key domestic sourcing requirements such as Buy America and BABA (Build America, Buy America). Manufacturing locally allows us to provide faster response times, stronger quality assurance, and a product customers can trust to perform on every job—avoiding the potential risks associated with offshore manufacturing. By producing in the USA, we proudly support American jobs and infrastructure projects, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the domestic economy.

Yes, using GFRP rebar like Greenbar2X™ or Mateenbar60™ may require design adjustments due to different mechanical and material properties from traditional steel rebar. Established codes like ACI 440.11 and ICC-EER 5548 simplify this process and ensure optimal performance. For common applications like foundations and driveways, the design is typically straightforward, but for structural projects, consulting an engineer familiar with GFRP is recommended. The list of applications and industries in which GFRP rebar has been used is large and has been widely used in bridge, tunnel, road, electromagnetic, marine and other civil/infrastructure projects.

Mateenbar® is a versatile alternative to steel rebar for many residential and light commercial applications, particularly where corrosion resistance is essential. Its lightweight design offers a boost in construction productivity due to faster installation, and its lacquered surface makes it easy to handle. Its rustproof properties eliminate concerns about long-term maintenance caused by steel corrosion. Greenbar2X™ excels in flatwork projects like driveways, patios, and pool decks, projects with demanding structural or vertical needs may require the higher stiffness and performance of Mateenbar60™. Together, these products offer tailored solutions that often surpass the performance and lifespan of traditional steel.

Yes, Mateenbar® products including Greenbar2X™ and Mateenbar60™, offer comparable or superior strength to traditional steel rebar in specific applications. Greenbar2X™ is engineered for residential and light commercial projects, providing high tensile strength that surpasses steel on a strength per square inch or volume basis. Mateenbar60™ is designed for heavy-duty infrastructure, delivering even greater tensile strength for large-scale projects like bridges and seawalls. Unlike steel, all Mateenbar® products are rustproof and lightweight, ensuring long-lasting durability and easier handling without sacrificing performance.

Not all composite rebars are the same. Mateenbar® stands out among the options due to its lacquered surface finish for ease of handling, high tensile strength, rustproof composition, rigorous compliance with industry standards like ASTM, ACI, and ICC and over 30 years of proven global performance. Unlike some competitors that may prioritize cost over quality, and infer they are industry compliant, Mateenbar® is manufactured in the USA with a quality program that exceeds all applicable ASTM standards, codes and specifications.  This provides peace of mind, ensuring consistent, reliable performance and traceability. Our quality laboratory performs 100,000’s of test p.a.