Pultron Composites (Gisborne, New Zealand) recently highlighted two successful construction projects involving the use of Mateenbar high-performance glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar, including development of the Matai Medical Research Institute and construction of a reinforced concrete breakwater for the Tauranga Bridge Marina.

Reinforced concrete foundations laid for the Mātai facility

Construction of the Mātai Medical Research Institute was contracted by Dawson Building Co. in 2022. The facility,dedicated to medical innovation in New Zealand, involved integration of Mateenbar into the facility’s concrete slab. 

“Mateenbar was used as an alternative to steel to form twolayers of mesh in a 300-millimeter-thick monolithic slab,” says Pete Gourlay, Dawson Building project manager. “We found that the light weight and long lengths were a real game-changer. Lifting was very easy and long lengths resulted in labor savings. We would not hesitate to use this product again.”

The institute’s home, completed as Stage 1 of a broader medical campus, was officially opened in 2023. Planning is well underway for Stages 2 and 3, which aim to be delivered over the next 3years.

Tauranga Bridge Marina project

Tauranga Bridge Marina, a 2024-2025 projectdesigned and contracted by Bellingham Marine, required a reinforced concrete breakwater to safeguard yachts and powerboats from storm events and harsh marine conditions. The structural integrity and longevity of the breakwater were paramount to ensure the marina’s long-term protection and functionality.

Traditional steel reinforcement posed several challenges for this project, particularly in a harsh saltwater environment where corrosion is a major concern. Conventional steel-reinforced panels are susceptible to rust, which can compromise structural integrity over time, leading to costly maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the weight of steel reinforcement significantly impacts handling, transportationand installation costs.

Recognizing these challenges, Bellingham Marine, selectedMateenbar GFRP rebar to reinforce the concrete panels of the breakwater wall. This decision provided multiple advantages over conventional steel reinforcement. It reduced each panel’s weight by 2 tonnes and ensures a 100-plus year asset life, in addition to saving on handling, installation and long-term maintenance costs.

Mateenbar has been demonstrated in many other projects, including agiant statute in the UAE and the Jizan flood channel project.

Source：CompositesWorld