SFT-Bar FRP Rebar | Non-Corrosive Rebar for Manitoba Projects

What is FRP rebar?

FRP stands for Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer. SFT-Bar is made from glass fibers and polymer resin, formed through a process called pultrusion. The result is a rebar that does not rust, does not corrode, and does not react to salt, moisture, or most chemicals.

It is used the same way as steel rebar — placed inside concrete to add tensile strength to the structure. The main difference is that SFT-Bar will not deteriorate over time the way steel does in harsh environments.

SFT-Bar is designed and manufactured in Canada by SFTec Inc. and is ICC-ES certified under evaluation report ESR-5081.

Why contractors and engineers choose SFT-Bar

Eight key advantages that make SFT-Bar the smart choice for durable infrastructure.

Does not corrode

Not affected by moisture, road salt, chlorides, or most chemicals. No rust. No expansion. No structural damage caused by rebar corrosion.

75% lighter than steel

A crew can carry more, work faster, and reduce physical strain on site. Easier to cut and position. The weight difference also means lower transportation cost and simpler delivery logistics.

Higher tensile strength in tension

SFT-Bar carries loads of 100,000 to 150,000 psi in tension compared to approximately 60,000 psi for standard steel rebar.

Non-conductive

Does not conduct electricity or heat. Safe for use near electrical infrastructure and in MRI or sensitive equipment environments.

Non-magnetic

Transparent to magnetic fields and radar. Used in structures where electromagnetic neutrality matters.

Designed for 100-plus year service life

Based on corrosion-free performance in infrastructure-grade applications. Steel may need repair far sooner.

Lower CO2 than steel

According to independent research, FRP rebar produces approximately 43% less CO2 during production than steel.

No corrosion-related maintenance

Once it is in the concrete, you do not have to worry about corrosion repairs down the road.

SFT-Bar vs Steel Rebar - Full Comparison

This table covers the main differences between SFTec FRP Rebar rebar and standard steel rebar. We have included honest trade-offs too — FRP is not the right choice for every situation.

Category	Steel Rebar	SFTec FRP Rebar
Upfront material cost	Higher	Lower — SFT-Bar costs less upfront and over the life of the structure
Corrosion resistance	Corrodes in moisture, salt, chemicals	Does not corrode
Weight	Standard	75% lighter
Labour / installation cost	Standard	Lower — 75% lighter means faster installation, easier handling, less crew time
Transportation / delivery cost	Standard	Lower — lighter weight reduces freight cost and simplifies on-site logistics
Tensile strength (tension)	~60,000 psi	~100,000 to 150,000 psi
Stiffness (modulus)	Higher	Lower — engineers must account for deflection
On-site bending	Yes	No — all bends pre-fabricated by manufacturer
Maintenance over time	Corrosion repairs required	No corrosion-related maintenance
Estimated service life	Shorter in harsh environments	Designed for 100-plus years
CO2 at production	Higher	~43% less than steel
Electrical conductivity	Conductive	Non-conductive
Magnetic interference	Yes	None
Engineering design code	ACI 318 / CSA A23.3	ACI 440.1R / CSA S806

Note: SFT-Bar requires engineering design per ACI 440.1R or CSA S806. It is not a direct 1-to-1 replacement for steel — your structural engineer will need to spec it correctly.

Where SFT-Bar gets used

FRP rebar works well in any structure where corrosion is a risk. In Manitoba, that means most outdoor concrete built near roads, water, or de-icing salt.

Parking Garages and Parkades

One of the most common FRP applications. De-icing salts tracked in by vehicles are highly corrosive to steel. FRP eliminates this problem entirely.

Roads and Barrier Walls

Direct exposure to road salt and freeze-thaw cycles make highway and road infrastructure a strong fit for FRP rebar.

Bridge Decks and Overpasses

Bridges see constant moisture, salt spray, and temperature swings. FRP rebar extends service life significantly in these environments.

Retaining Walls

Soil moisture and drainage exposure makes retaining walls vulnerable to corrosion over time. FRP rebar removes that risk.

Foundations in Aggressive Environments

Where soil chemistry or groundwater creates corrosive conditions, FRP rebar is the more durable choice.

Marine and Waterfront Structures

Wharves, sea walls, and waterfront infrastructure benefit from FRP's resistance to chloride ions and saltwater.

SFTec FRP Rebar

A non-corrosive alternative to steel rebar. ICC-ES certified. 75% lighter. Designed for structures that need to last.

What is FRP rebar?

Why contractors and engineers choose SFT-Bar

Eight key advantages that make SFT-Bar the smart choice for durable infrastructure.

SFT-Bar vs Steel Rebar - Full Comparison

This table covers the main differences between SFTec FRP Rebar rebar and standard steel rebar. We have included honest trade-offs too — FRP is not the right choice for every situation.

Note: SFT-Bar requires engineering design per ACI 440.1R or CSA S806. It is not a direct 1-to-1 replacement for steel — your structural engineer will need to spec it correctly.

Where SFT-Bar gets used

FRP rebar works well in any structure where corrosion is a risk. In Manitoba, that means most outdoor concrete built near roads, water, or de-icing salt.

Parking Garages and Parkades

Roads and Barrier Walls

Bridge Decks and Overpasses

Retaining Walls

Foundations in Aggressive Environments

Marine and Waterfront Structures

Need the full specs?

SFTec Inc. maintains a full library of technical documentation including product data sheets, ICC-ES evaluation reports, and design standard references.

SFT-Bar Product Sheet

ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-5081

Design Standard: ACI 440.1R

Design Standard: CSA S806

Ready to spec FRP on your next project?

Get in touch with FRP Global. We will help you figure out if SFT-Bar is the right fit and get you a quote fast.