Viva & Co finds alternative to iron rods
Viva and Co Ghana Limited, producers of composite rebar, has introduced a fibreglass as an alternative to the conventional iron rod in the market.
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The fibreglass re-enforced polymer bar is seven times lighter than iron rod and has a lifespan of 120 years.
This makes it a better alternative to the traditional iron rod used in the building and construction industry.
A director of the company, Mr Ivan Romanov, explained that the fibre glass was produced under world best practices and American Concrete Institution Standards, making it a strong and light material suitable for many uses.
Already, Mr Romanov said, the product was becoming popular in Europe, United States of America, Canada, China, Germany and other countries, where it is considered a favourable substitute to iron rods in concrete structures.
Apart from being cheaper and more convenient, he said it can be applied for a long-term reinforcement in such environments such as fresh water or brine for retaining walls piers, jetties, quays, caissons, decks, pilings, bulkheads, canals, off shore platforms, swimming pools and aquariums.
He added that it had corrosion resistance for an aggressive environment.
Mr Romanov stated that the company recently engaged the Ghana Institute of Engineers and other stakeholders in the construction industry on the application of the products.
Participants in the forum were of the view that engineers and contractors had to follow what had been prescribed as the design codes and develop their knowledge for them to be flexible in using the product.
He stated that they also recommended the use of fibre glass in Ghana and urged engineers and contractors to embrace the new technology, which is not new in the world but a new product coming to Ghana and the West African sub-region.
He said the company was ready to support the government’s initiative of one district, one factory and government institutions to conduct research for composite materials to boost the country's construction industry with world best practices.