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Dextra Joins International Institute for FRP in Construction (IIFC) as Patron Member

 

Dextra is pleased to announce its patron membership with the International Institute for FRP in Construction (IIFC), a globally recognized organization dedicated to the advancement of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites in the construction industry. This partnership underscores Dextra’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the development of next-generation structural reinforcement solutions.

What is IIFC and How It Supports the Industry

The International Institute for FRP in Construction (IIFC) is a leading global organization that promotes the use of FRP composites for civil infrastructure. Through a combination of research initiatives, educational programs, and industry collaborations, IIFC plays a pivotal role in driving the adoption of FRP solutions. Its key activities include:

  • Facilitating Knowledge Sharing: IIFC organizes conferences, workshops, and symposiums where researchers, engineers, and industry professionals exchange the latest findings and best practices.
  • Developing Standards and Guidelines: By working closely with standard-setting bodies, IIFC helps ensure that FRP technologies meet rigorous performance and safety requirements, paving the way for broader industry acceptance.
  • Encouraging Collaborative Research: IIFC fosters partnerships between academia and industry to push the boundaries of FRP innovation, focusing on both fundamental research and applied engineering solutions.

By offering a platform where experts can collaborate, IIFC contributes significantly to the advancement and standardization of FRP technologies, ultimately benefiting the construction industry and society at large.

Why FRP Matters in Modern Construction

As the industry moves toward more sustainable and durable infrastructure solutions, FRP composites have emerged as a game-changing material. Offering superior corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratios, and extended service life compared to traditional steel reinforcements, FRP is being increasingly adopted in critical construction applications worldwide.

With growing concerns about the environmental impact and longevity of reinforced concrete structures, FRP presents a solution that significantly reduces maintenance costs and enhances resilience in harsh environments, such as marine, transportation, and industrial infrastructure.

Dextra’s Commitment to FRP Innovation

Dextra has long been at the forefront of developing advanced reinforcement solutions, including our Durabar+ GFRP Rebar, which recently earned ICC-ES certification for compliance with international building standards. By joining IIFC as a Patron Member, Dextra strengthens its role in shaping the future of FRP applications through research collaboration, knowledge sharing, and contribution to industry’s best practices.

Through this partnership, Dextra will actively engage with leading researchers, engineers, and policymakers to support the widespread adoption of FRP materials in construction projects worldwide.

What This Means for the Future

By joining forces with IIFC, Dextra continues to lead the way in providing high-performance reinforcement solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern construction. Our participation will drive:

✅Greater industry awareness of FRP’s advantages and applications
✅Collaborative research initiatives to further validate FRP solutions
✅Stronger regulatory and standardization efforts for FRP in structural applications
✅A sustainable future with durable, corrosion-resistant construction materials

Looking Ahead

At Dextra, we are excited to embark on this journey with IIFC and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the construction industry. As FRP adoption continues to grow, we remain committed to delivering high-quality reinforcement solutions that support resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure.

For more information about IIFC and its mission, visit: www.iifc.org

Stay connected with Dextra for more updates on our innovations in FRP technology!

Durabar+ GFRP Rebar Achieves ICC-ES AC521 Certification

Dextra is pleased to announce that Durabar+ GFRP rebar has successfully achieved ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) confirmation, demonstrating compliance with the 2024, 2021, and 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).

This confirmation, detailed in ICC-ES evaluation report ESR-5501, provides essential guidance to code officials, engineers, and contractors for approving the use of Durabar+ in accordance with these standards. The evaluation follows the Acceptance Criteria for Fiber-reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bars and Meshes for Internal Reinforcement of Non-structural Concrete Members (AC521).

What It Means for the Construction Industry

✅ Code Compliance: With this recognition, Durabar+ is officially verified for use in building and residential construction under major international codes.


✅ Corrosion Resistance: As a non-metallic reinforcement, Durabar+ is ideal for applications where traditional steel rebar faces durability challenges, such as in coastal, marine, and chemically aggressive environments.


✅ Lightweight & High Strength: Offering exceptional tensile strength with a lighter weight than steel, Durabar+ enhances constructability and reduces handling costs.

Why is the ICC-ES AC521 Certification Important?

The AC521 certification is a significant recognition that validates the quality, safety, and compliance of FRP bars and meshes in construction. It ensures that these materials meet strict evaluation criteria, allowing them to be confidently used in projects that require durable, non-corrosive reinforcement.

 

Key Benefits for Our Customers

By eliminating corrosion concerns and reducing maintenance costs, Durabar+ GFRP rebar aligns with the industry’s push toward sustainable, long-lasting infrastructure solutions. This ICC-ES evaluation further cements its position as a reliable and innovative alternative to conventional steel reinforcement.


✅ Verified Performance – ICC-ES certification confirms that the mechanical properties of our product align with the data in our Product Data Sheet (PDS).
✅ Regulatory Compliance – Our FRP rebar meets ACI 440.1R design standards, providing engineers with confidence in their calculations.
✅ Safety & Quality Assurance – Independently tested to meet industry regulations, ensuring durability and reliability.
✅ Cost Efficiency – Standardized, certified materials simplify project specifications, leading to streamlined procurement and reduced risks.

 

Who Should Be Interested?

This certification is highly relevant for:
🏗 Construction and Infrastructure Professionals – Ensuring project compliance with certified, high-performance reinforcement.
📐 Structural Engineers & Designers – Using Durabar+ confidently in calculations and structural designs.
🏛 Regulatory Authorities & Code Enforcers – Supporting the industry’s shift towards standardization and advanced materials.

 

Building the Future with Certified Innovation

Durabar+ is our advanced GFRP rebar solution, engineered with ISO polyester resin and E-CR glass fibres for superior performance in reinforced concrete applications. Designed to withstand harsh environments, Durabar+ offers exceptional corrosion resistance, high tensile strength, and long-term durability, making it an ideal alternative to traditional steel reinforcement in infrastructure and marine projects.

 

With ICC-ES AC521 certification, Durabar+ GFRP Rebar is set to drive the adoption of sustainable, corrosion-resistant reinforcement in modern construction.

Interested in integrating Durabar+ into your next project? Contact us today to learn more!

Unveiling Durabar Carpet – The Future of Construction Versatility

Dextra is thrilled to announce the launch of the Durabar Carpet, the latest in our line of cutting-edge construction solutions. Crafted from our patented Durabar GFRP rebar, this innovative product is set to revolutionize the construction industry with its unmatched versatility and efficiency.

A New Era in Construction

The Durabar Carpet stands out not only for its robust design but also for its adaptability across various construction projects.

The real game-changer, however, lies in its ability to be effortlessly cut in any direction, allowing for precise adjustments and minimizing material waste. This feature is particularly beneficial in complex projects where customization is key.

Key Features:

  • Bar Diameter: Available in sizes ranging from Ø 6mm to Ø 16mm.
  • Standard Length: 5.8 meters, perfect for most applications.
  • Custom Lengths: Tailor the product to your needs with lengths available from 2 meters to 5.8 meters.
  • Flexible Spacing: Select spacing from 100mm to 600mm, offering maximum design freedom.

Whether you’re working on a large-scale infrastructure project or a bespoke architectural design, the Durabar Carpet offers the flexibility and performance you need.

Why Choose Durabar Carpet?

The advantages of using Durabar Carpet in construction projects are clear. Not only does it simplify logistics and reduce waste, but it also provides engineers and builders with the freedom to customize their approach to reinforcement. The product’s ability to adapt to various requirements makes it an indispensable tool in modern construction.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, Dextra remains at the forefront, delivering innovative solutions that address the needs of today’s builders. The Durabar Carpet is more than just a product – it’s a testament to Dextra’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in construction.

Experience the future of construction with Durabar Carpet.

For more information, learn more about Durabar or contact us today.

Dextra and Arkema Forge Partnership to Revolutionize Composite Solutions

Arkema, a titan in specialty materials with a robust focus on sustainable innovations, has joined forces with Dextra Group, a pioneer in the construction industry known for its cutting-edge Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) solutions, to unleash groundbreaking composite fiber solutions. This collaboration is set to redefine industry standards, leveraging Arkema’s acclaimed Elium thermoplastic resin and Dextra’s innovative FRP rebar to deliver unique, high-performance materials focused on sustainability and efficiency in construction.

The partnership marks a visionary step towards the future of construction materials, positioning both Arkema and Dextra Group at the forefront of technological acceleration in the composites sector. Through this initiative, they aim to drive the adoption of composite material in construction, emphasizing innovative solutions, sustainability, and the superior qualities of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer, thus setting a new benchmark for quality and innovation in the industry.

Dextra’s innovative FRP rebar, combined with Arkema’s Elium® resin, presented at JEC World 2024, encapsulates the essence of this partnership, highlighting Dextra’s leadership in GFRP innovation for the construction industry.

Overview of Arkema and Dextra Group’s Collaboration

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Arkema, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has joined forces with Dextra Group, a trailblazer in the construction industry. This partnership is set to revolutionize the construction sector with the introduction of innovative composite solutions. Below are the key aspects of this collaboration:

  • Arkema’s Contribution:
    • Leveraging its expertise in specialty materials, Arkema brings to the table its pioneering Elium® thermoplastic resin, known for its exceptional performance in enhancing the strength and durability of composites.
  • Dextra Group’s Role:
    • Operating in over 55 countries, Dextra Group’s expertise in engineered steel and fibre-reinforced polymer construction products sets a solid foundation for this collaboration. The focus on sustainability is evident through Dextra’s introduction of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for their products, showcasing a shared vision for a greener future.

This collaboration not only underscores the commitment of both organizations to pioneering sustainable, high-performance materials but also sets Dextra apart as a leader in GFRP innovation within the construction sector.

Arkema’s Elium Thermoplastic Resin and Dextra’s FRP Rebars

At the heart of the collaboration between Arkema and Dextra Group lies the integration of Arkema’s Elium® thermoplastic resin with Dextra’s innovative FRP rebars, setting a new standard in the construction industry for composite fiber solutions. This partnership leverages the unique properties of Elium® resin, including:

  • Hot Bending on Site: Elium® resin allows for the hot bending of FRP rebars directly on construction sites, offering unparalleled flexibility and cost-efficiency. This feature is a game-changer, simplifying logistics and enabling more complex architectural designs.
  • Sustainable and High Performance: This new generation of resin can be made with up to 92% recycled material. At the end of the products lifetime (120+ Years), it can be broken down to separate the resin and fiber elements. This allows the resin to be recycled and reused while the fiber can be upcycled to be used as reinforcement in asphalt and concrete.

Arkema’s collaboration with Dextra to develop bendable reinforcements using Elium® resin further underscores the innovative spirit of this partnership. This endeavor not only makes reinforcements more flexible but also enhances their resistance properties, longevity, and aesthetic appeal, mirroring natural stone.

Through this collaboration, Dextra Group is positioned as a leader in GFRP innovation, differentiating itself from other producers by harnessing the unique benefits of Arkema’s Elium® resin and its unique manufacturing process.

 

Foundation for Public Housing Development at Pik Wan Road, Hong Kong

 

The Foundation for Public Housing Development at Pik Wan Road, Hong Kong

 
 

The Foundation for Public Housing Development at Pik Wan Road stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to sustainable urban development and infrastructure enhancement. Situated amidst the vibrant cityscape, this construction project embodies a convergence of innovative engineering and community-focused initiatives.

At the heart of this endeavor lies the crucial aspect of slope stabilization—a fundamental requirement in Hong Kong’s hilly terrain, where land development often necessitates meticulous attention to structural integrity. Recognizing the significance of this aspect, the project turned to advanced solutions, seeking to marry effectiveness with environmental responsibility.

Enter Dextra, a renowned provider of engineering solutions renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation. Dextra’s contribution comprised over a thousand pieces of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Soil Nails — a cutting-edge solution designed to address the specific challenges of slope stabilization. GFRP Soil Nails offer superior corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of installation while minimizing environmental impact.

Dextra’s GFRP solutions have earned the esteemed approval of various authoritative bodies in Hong Kong, including the Buildings Department, a crucial entity overseeing building codes, safety standards, and inspections. Additionally, they have garnered recognition from the Hospital Authority, ensuring their reliability and suitability for healthcare infrastructure. Moreover, recognition from the Housing Department and the Construction Innovation & Technology Fund (CITF) signifies their innovative edge and contribution to advancing construction practices in Hong Kong.

 

Tai Po Railway Pier – Reconstruction of Tai Po Kau Tide Gauge Station

 

Tai Po Railway Pier – Reconstruction of Tai Po Kau Tide Gauge Station, Hong Kong

 

In the dynamic coastal landscape of Tai Po Kau, New Territories, Hong Kong, infrastructure projects demand robust and resilient solutions. One such endeavor, the Reconstruction of Tai Po Kau Tide Gauge Station project, required innovative materials to withstand the unique challenges posed by its environment. Dextra was chosen to provide approximately 1,000 meters of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebar for the slab of the Tai Po Railway Pier, showcasing the efficacy of advanced composite materials in marine construction.

The Tai Po Kau Tide Gauge Station project aimed to revitalize the existing infrastructure, enhancing its resilience against tidal forces, corrosion, and environmental degradation. Recognizing the limitations of traditional steel reinforcement in marine environments, the project sought alternatives that could offer superior durability and longevity. Dextra’s GFRP rebar emerged as the ideal solution, offering exceptional resistance to corrosion, rust, and chemical degradation commonly associated with saltwater exposure.

GFRP rebar, composed of high-strength glass fibers embedded in a polymer matrix, delivers mechanical properties comparable to steel but with added benefits. Notably, GFRP rebar exhibits significantly lower thermal conductivity, reducing the risk of thermal bridging and enhancing structural integrity in extreme temperature variations. Furthermore, its non-magnetic properties eliminate electromagnetic interference, making it suitable for sensitive applications such as tide gauge stations.

The application of GFRP rebar within the Tai Po Kau Tide Gauge Station project encompassed both straight and bent bars, catering to the diverse structural requirements of the public pier. Dextra’s expertise in custom fabrication ensured precise bending and shaping of the rebar to fit the intricate geometries of the pier structure, facilitating seamless integration and minimizing construction complexities.