Why Make Tetrapods out of GFRP rebars!
Concrete tetrapods are innovative structures (patented in the 1940s by the French) and are used to protect coastlines from erosion. Their unique shape and design make them highly effective in dissipating wave energy. Called Tetrapods since they have 4-legs (Tetra (Greek)=Charta (Persian) =4), Pod (Greek) = Pa (Persian) = Leg.
They will be deployed in mass, due to the sea rise caused by the global temperature rise.
They are typically fabricated with steel rebars. Once steel rebars corrode after few decades, the concrete will spall/fall off, and that will expose the sharp rebars!
Once rebars are exposed Concrete coastal installations can become lethally dangerous to swimmers and surfers, as well to shipping and recreational boaters.
If GFRP rebars are used, the labor to make them can be reduced by 75%, with no injury during placement and these will last for centuries in the ocean without concrete spall due to corrosion. If GFRP rebars are exposed they will not impale people and recreational boats like steel rebar does! Make them Safer, Green, Sustainable, and last for times to come!
Senior Engineer at ADNOC | Expert in Coastal/Maritime Field
2 个月Who said they use steel reinforcement?