1. Much higher tensile strength than steel or fiberglass rebar of the same diameter. Even after considering a conservative rating to allow for any possible material flaws or misuse; RR is still well over twice as strong in tension to prevent concrete cracking as grade 60 steel!
2. Strength + Zero rusting allows for thinner, lighter panels and decks. Since "Rock Rebar tm" does not rust or absorb water, the need for spacing between the rod and the surface of the concrete is reduced. This allows for thinner projects and more flexible designs using less expensive & heavy concrete. RR is a perfect reinforcement for popular pervious (low fines, porous, water passing concrete) so popular today to reduce water retention or run off problems as RR allows reinforcement with no fear of rust spalling (splitting).
3. Much lighter than steel rebar. One man can easily lift a 500'coil of #3 (10 mm) RR. Many jobs will not require hoists or forklifts to handle RR supplies. The result is much less fatigue for installation workers as compared to steel. A reduction in injuries and medical expenses can also be expected. Example, a 40' piece of # 5steel weighs over 411bs. nearly 19 kilos. A 40'piece of # 5(16 mm) "RockRebartm” weighs about 12 Ibs. About 5.5 kilos. Using RR is 29 lbs or 13 kilos less weight to handle. Yet RR is at least 2.2 times stronger than steel in tension. Looking at a tensile to tensile comparison, the weight ratio is
1 Ib of “RockRebartm" can replace 9.6 Ib of steel!
#3(10 mm) basalt is about a match in strength to grade 60 #5 steel,
4. We recommend a tighter grid of smaller "RockRebartm" to obtain the best price to performance. Its light weight allows for much faster installation and a better overall job.
5. Our standard "RockRebartm" sections are 39'6" to ship in a 40' container; however diameters of up to l6mm can be coiled for shipment and used in long runs such as bridge decks and sea wall caps. The material RR will naturally straighten when unrolled.
IN MANY CASES, the diameter of the rebar may be reduced when using "RockRebartm" rather than steel!
Very high strength allows for smaller diameter reinforcement rods. Smaller diameter rods allow more rods to be installed in critical structural designs. This enables more flexibility in designing structures. It also allows the addition of rods to offset Tensile Modulus issues if they arise in engineering calculations,
CAUTION!!!! IMPORTANT!!!!!!
Since basalt is SO STRONG in tension and compression, it is not bendable in the way that steel is. This is not a bad thing. However, it must be understood. While NOT normally an issue, engineers must consider Tensile Modulus when calculating the reinforcement layouts of highly loaded construction. Since "RockRebartm" is 50 much stronger than steel in tension, simply modifying the layout adding more RR in smaller diameters perhaps closer to the surfaces than would be possible using steel can overcome the Tensile Modulus issue altogether.
6. Exactly the same thermal coefficient of expansion as concrete.
7. "RockRebartm" is naturally resistant to corrosion, rust, alkali, and acids. RR cannot rust, so spalling of concrete from moisture penetration is totally eliminated! RR does not need a special coating to resist the high ph from exposure to concrete like fiberglass rod requires.
8. Does not absorb and transfer moisture like glass fibers do. Exposed fibers will not create a path for water to penetrate and destroy concrete.
9. Epoxy hole glue achieves and maintains optimum adhesion, yielding very high pull out.
10. Does not conduct electricity. This prevents electrolysis in marine applications.
11. Non magnetic, does not induce fields when exposed to RF energy, so it can be used in applications like MRI rooms and around RFID readers.
12. Easily cut to length in the field with common tools.
13 .IMPORTANT - As compared to steel, "RockRebartm" has a lower Modulus of Elasticity. Panel deflection will be the limit to application. When pushed to its bending limit, it will just snap off cleanly. From a practical stand point, when installed in a properly engineered pour, the bending limit will be much higher than the crush of the concrete, so in a properly engineered pour using (RR) it's lower modulus is NOT an issue.
An example of how you can mishandle RR is attempting to pick up a panel by some exposed section of "RockRebartm" (a hoop for example). In short, "RockRebartm" is SO Strong in tension and allows for so little stretch, that it exhibits a brittle, clean break right at the exit point of the slab or the hook point of the lifting devise. As this can be dangerous, we strongly suggest workers be taught how to properly use and install RR, We suggest feeling what is referred to as a "linear stress to failure curve" by the actually experiencing it. As an experiment to stress RR to its Ultimate Shear Strength, place a (#2 or #3) 8-10mm diameter piece in a vise and bend it until it snaps (make sure safety glasses and shields are used).
You will find it takes a surprising amount of force. "RockRebartm" will NOT stay bent unless it is held; once load is removed it returns to its naturally straight position. We "DO" make "RockRebartm" corners that may be wire-tied in the traditional manner. Some people mix steel corners with RR straight sections. We can mold special, custom cages if the volume warrants the set up cost.
In MOST concrete reinforcement applications “RockRebartm” can be used as a replacement for steel rebar. For specialty applications such as marine environments and chemical plants, where corrosion resistance is a major concern, no other product can come close to matching “RockRebartm” price to performance!
