The American Concrete Institute, in collaboration with NEx: An ACI Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials, has released two new resources for fiber-reinforced polymer reinforcement. MNL-6(23) “Recommended Practice Guidelines for FRP Bars in Pre-Engineered Projects” and MNL-7(23) “GFRP-Reinforced Concrete Design Handbook” provide vital references for professionals interested in the use of nonmetallic reinforcement for concrete structures.

Following the 2022 release of the first comprehensive building code covering the use of nonmetallic, glass fiber-reinforced polymer reinforcing bars in structural concrete (ACI CODE-440.11-22), these new documents provide additional insights and practical information on how to design and install GFRP reinforcement, along with understanding and use of the provisions of ACI CODE-440.11. MNL-6(23) details the key considerations for where to use GFRP reinforcement, the types of GFRP reinforcement available and how to plan for installation, and also includes prescriptive foundation wall design tables for contractors. MNL-7(23) provides several engineering design examples for various concrete members reinforced with GFRP bars, including beams, one-way slabs, two-way slabs and columns. Both documents include general information and guidance about the appropriate use of GFRP reinforcement, its material and durability characteristics, typical applications and more.

“Through the assistance of NEx, ACI was able to quickly put together resources for those wanting more information on design and construction with FRP reinforcement,” said Michael Tholen, ACI senior managing director of technical operations. “This information was critical to supporting the new ACI CODE-440.11 and the rapidly expanding use of FRP reinforcement.”

“Standards and guidelines development is one of the main pillars of NEx’s core functions, and [it] believes that supporting ACI in publishing new documents will significantly contribute to the building and construction industry,” said Jerzy Zemajtis, NEx executive director. “MNL-6 and MNL-7 provide impactful supplementary material for utilizing FRP reinforcement as a sustainable material.”

GFRP reinforcement has been in use for decades because of its noncorrosive, nonmagnetic and lightweight properties. As the use of GFRP becomes more widespread in response to direct reference in other model codes and standards, MNL-6 and MNL-7 will help aid professionals in design and common applications for nonmetallic GFRP reinforcement.

To learn more about ACI or purchase these documents, visit concrete.org.