EnergyConnect – Whittens Buronga Substation

EnergyConnect project has emerged as a groundbreaking initiative that will revolutionize the sharing of electricity between New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, and South Australia. At the heart of this transformative project lies Dextra’s indispensable contribution – supplying almost 30,000 meters of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebar in diameters 13mm, 25mm, and 38mm. This not only marks a monumental step in the realm of construction but also propels the vision of a more sustainable and interconnected future.

The EnergyConnect Project

The EnergyConnect project is a testament to Australia’s commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure and promoting cooperation between states. This project aims to create a robust electricity transmission network that will enable efficient sharing of power resources across three states. As Australia transitions towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, the EnergyConnect project plays a pivotal role in fostering a resilient and interconnected power grid.

Dextra’s Contribution

Dextra supplied a substantial quantity of GFRP rebar, showcasing its commitment to providing cutting-edge and sustainable construction materials. The use of GFRP rebar is a game-changer in the construction industry, offering a corrosion-resistant alternative to traditional steel reinforcement.

The 30,000 meters of GFRP rebar, ranging in diameters from 13mm to 38mm, were strategically incorporated to reinforce electrical transmission line and substation structures. This not only enhances the structural integrity of the infrastructure but also aligns with the broader goal of reducing the environmental impact of construction activities.

Advantages of GFRP Rebar

GFRP rebar, also known as Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) rebar, brings several advantages to the construction table. Unlike traditional steel reinforcement, GFRP rebar is corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal choice for projects in regions with challenging environmental conditions. The EnergyConnect project, spanning multiple states with diverse climates, benefits immensely from this corrosion-resistant characteristic, ensuring the longevity and durability of the infrastructure.

Furthermore, GFRP rebar is significantly lighter than steel, simplifying transportation and handling during the construction process. This contributes to increased efficiency and reduced labor costs, making it an attractive choice for large-scale projects like EnergyConnect.

Fécamp Offshore Wind Farm

The 497 MW wind farm, located between 13 and 22 kilometers off the coast of Fécamp, France, includes 71 Gravity Based Structures (GBS: Gravity Based Structures), each of which will support a 180-meter-high windmill. The project will generate electricity equivalent to the power needs of more than 416,000 homes.

Dextra Fortec couplers and headed bars were supplied for these benefits.

Fortec couplers

Used for temporary openings to facilitate the movement of materials and personnel during the various stages of construction.

Acted as concrete wall starter bars to connect with continuation bars.

Aided constructability with climbing formwork for fast cycle GBS building.

Improved rebar congestion, avoiding overlapping splices.

Dextra couplers are based on a Parallel Thread technology. The same couplers are used for standard connection (when the continuation bar can be rotated) and position connection (when neither bar can be rotated). For Fécamp, the site was equipped with sets of threading equipment.

Headed bars

Improved buildability and on-site productivity by reducing rebar congestion and the steel/concrete ratio.

Can be used as shear wall cross ties as an alternative to rebar with hooked anchorage.

Suitable for sequenced concrete pours.

Suitable for seismic design.

Fast to install: reduced labour and crane time.

Head can be removed for ease of rebar positional adjustment.

Improved concrete compaction and surface quality (reduction of honeycombing).

Dextra headed bars were used as an efficient solution for the vertical reinforcement of the foundation. They are an excellent alternative to standard hooked bars, which are difficult to install, particularly when bent on both ends, and to a bonded length of straight or bent rebar acting as an anchorage.

Download the project case study

Category: Wind