Engineered Composites Ltd

Steel rebar lasts 15–25 years in marine environments.
GRP rebar lasts 100+ years.

Corrosion is not a design flaw. It is a material inevitability.

When moisture and chlorides reach steel reinforcement, the clock starts ticking.

Cracking. Spalling. Repair. Replacement.

Yet GRP rebar eliminates corrosion entirely.

It delivers:
• Up to 2.56× the tensile strength of 500 MPa steel
• 80% weight reduction
• Non-conductive, non-magnetic performance
• Reduced concrete cover
• 73.7% carbon reduction when assessed correctly

The regulatory framework engineers often question now exists.

ACI 440 is established.
CEN/TS 19101 is published.
ASTM standards are in place.

The question is no longer can you specify GRP rebar.

The question is:
In which environments is it irresponsible not to?

If you design marine, offshore, bridge, water or infrastructure projects, the full performance
data is worth reviewing.

BS 476-7 has been withdrawn from Approved Document B.

If you are still specifying GRP products using “Class 1” or “Class 2” fire ratings, you need to
check your documentation.

From March 2025, EN 13501-1 is the recognised reaction to fire classification for UK
construction products.

Unlike BS 476-7, the new system measures:

• Contribution to fire
• Smoke production
• Flaming droplets

A compliant classification must include all required components.

There is no direct conversion between the old and new systems. A historic Class 1 result
does not automatically translate into a high Euroclass. Products must be tested.

If your supplier cannot provide a full EN 13501-1 classification from an accredited laboratory,
the fire performance data may no longer be recognised under current Building Regulations.

We have published a detailed technical breakdown of the new standard and what every
GRP buyer must demand.

Read the full guide before your next specification.

Are you specifying GRP based on a drawing… or verified performance data?

GRP structural profiles are increasingly used in rail, utilities, water treatment, and industrial
construction. But not all GRP on the market meets the same performance standards.

If you are purchasing GRP pultruded profiles, ask yourself:

• Have you been given confirmation of the structural grade?
• Do you know whether the material meets EN 13706 Parts 1, 2 and 3?
• Have you seen the fire classification to EN 13501-1 in full?
• Can the supplier demonstrate dimensional tolerances and quality control systems?
• Is full batch traceability available?

If the answer to any of these questions is unclear, you may be introducing unnecessary risk
into your project.

Substandard GRP can lead to reduced load performance, fire non-compliance, premature
degradation, and insurance exposure. On regulated infrastructure projects, that risk is rarely
visible at point of purchase but becomes critical later.

We have published a technical guide outlining exactly what you should request from any
GRP supplier before placing an order.

Read the full breakdown and protect your specification.