Why is epoxy coated rebar being banned?

A pinhole manufacturing defect or a scratch that may occur during handling or placement at a construction site will cause an epoxy coated rebar to degrade rapidly. Epoxy coated rebar has been banned in the province of Quebec. Other provinces in Canada and many U.S. States have initiated studies re-evaluating its use.

tuf-bar.com - GFRP vs ECR | Fiberglass Rebar - TUF-BAR

What does a 12x16 shed weigh?

Base Weight: 1747 lbs.

Last updated Oct 15, 2018

What removes algae from wood?

White distilled vinegar: White vinegar is a popular natural cleaner that can be used both inside and outside. Simply combine one gallon of water...

Last updated Jul 16, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Once the epoxy is encased in concrete water and chloride vapors and liquids seep under the paint film thru cracks, pinholes, sheared ends and scuffs caused during handling. Epoxy Coated Steel Re-bar (ECR) is comparable in price to GFRP and the coating on epoxy re-bar has proven to slow down the corrosion process on steel if it remains intact. Maintaining the integrity of the coating is difficult to ensure during the process of manufacturing and even more difficult to maintain at a construction site. A pinhole manufacturing defect or a scratch that may occur during handling or placement at a construction site will cause an epoxy coated rebar to degrade rapidly. Epoxy coated rebar has been banned in the province of Quebec. Other provinces in Canada and many U.S. States have initiated studies re-evaluating its use.

The performance of epoxy coated reinforcement:

Experience of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation

Volume 23, Number 3-4/2005

https://inderscience.metapress.com/link.asp?id=770h0×2qayqrv443

Once the epoxy is encased in concrete, water and chloride vapors, liquids seep under the paint film thru any crack, pinhole, sheared end, scuff caused during handling.

Abstract:

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has a mandate to specify cost-effective methods and materials for the construction and maintenance of provincial highway structures. In support of this mandate, the Bridge Durability Work Group initiated a performance evaluation of epoxy-coated reinforcement (ECR) in the Ontario The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has a mandate to specify cost-effective methods and materials for the construction and maintenance of provincial highway structures. In support of this mandate, the Bridge Durability Work Group initiated a performance evaluation of epoxy-coated reinforcement (ECR) in the Ontario bridge environment. Findings of the investigation, which are summarized in this paper, strongly indicate that the long-term performance of the ECR is not likely to provide the corrosion resistance or associated maintenance free service life that was originally forecast. Several Ministry structures constructed with ECR have already been rehabilitated, before achieving even a 20-year service life. Today, the Ministry must develop and adopt strategies at the time of design for service life that far exceed the expectations of only a few years ago; typically, in accordance with the new Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code, the design life of new structures is anticipated to be 75 years. A significant body of research to date indicates that ECR can at best provide marginally longer service life than black reinforcement.

Epoxy coated reinforcement study

How do you insulate a wooden shed cheaply?

'Bubble wrap is the cheapest way to insulate your shed,' says Robert Johnson. Using bubble wrap is a great strategy if you want to insulate on a...

Last updated Mar 16, 2019

What is the best way to store logs outside?

Use Pallets where possible Preferably, logs should be placed on wooden pallets as these keep them off the ground and provide a free flow of air...

Last updated Feb 4, 2018

Promotion

Final report state research project #527

Oregon Ministry of Transport Studies conclusion:

“Therefore, the continued use of this type of reinforcement in coastal structures in Oregon is not recommended. It is recommended that existing coastal structures and structures subject to de-icing chemicals that are reinforced with epoxy coated steel be placed on a frequent inspection program.”

Final Contract Report

Corrosion protection service life of Epoxy-Coated Reinforcing Steel (ECR) in Virginia bridge decks. It is apparent that at least some of the existing Epoxy-Coated steel re-bar (ECR) decks in service will not achieve the anticipated design life. Repair procedures and remediation strategies must be specifically developed to address ECR. Some procedures, such as cathodic protection, may not be successfully implemented in such structures. Removing chloride contaminated concrete and installing overlays above ECR that has initiated corrosion may prove insufficient, since corrosion beneath the coating may progress under completely different mechanisms once initiated.

Florida DOT study –marine applications

Laboratory tests and field inspections indicate that epoxy-coated rebar in a marine substructure application is more susceptible to corrosion than bare bar. The underlying clean bright metal, which does not passivate, as does bare steel when in contact with cement, is highly susceptible to corrosion. Epoxy-coated rebar has deteriorated faster than bare steel. While bare steel actively corrodes in marine environments (12-15) years) the epoxy-coated rebar has begun to corrode much earlier in these structures (seven to nine years)

Natural Sciences and Engineering – Research Council of Canada

www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca

2009 Abstract:

Concrete Structures Last Four Times Longer

Results from Fiberglass Reinforced Bridges in Canada

The Chair’s researchers have conducted field tests on more than 10 bridges across Canada… FRP materials can be preserved for 100 years or more. By contrast, steel-reinforced concrete will begin to deteriorate after 10 to 15 years and will generally require major repairs after 25 years.

Durability of Fiber Reinforced Polymers in Civil Infrastructure

22 Researchers, 4 Universities

https://www.isiscanada.com/news/durability.html

2008 Abstract:

This study reviewed 5 Canadian bridges and 1 Canadian harbour that were constructed in the early 1990’s. All structures were exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Longevity of concrete reinforced with fiberglass rebar (GFRP) was extensively studied. The longevity conclusions from the studies contributed to the adoption of GFRP as an approved reinforcement for Canadian and American Civil Structures.

Conclusion from Field Studies

tuf-bar.com - GFRP vs ECR | Fiberglass Rebar - TUF-BAR

How much does it cost to build a 12 by 20 shed?

A 12×20 shed could be perfect for you. This shed is great for larger items as well as storing smaller units. The best part about it, they start as...

Last updated Oct 27, 2020

Can mice get into Rubbermaid containers?

Yes! If they have enough time. Mice can chew through plastic storage containers, but it takes time for them to work. May 18, 2022

Last updated Sep 28, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Is building a shed cheaper than buying?

If you've been wondering is it cheaper to build your own shed, you'll discover that yes, it is less expensive to build your own shed than to...

Last updated Jan 6, 2020

Promotion

Is parking across someone's driveway illegal?

Bearing in mind parking a across a driveway is illegal, there are plenty of things you can do to stop it happening. First thing is to check if it's...

Last updated Apr 17, 2022