SYNOPSIS

GFRP stands for Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer. GFRP bars are composite materials made by combining glass fibers (silica sand nanotechonology material) with a polymer resin matrix, typically epoxy. These bars are used as an alternative to traditional steel reinforcement (rebar) in construction of reinforced concrete structures . GFRP bars offer several advantages, including being lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and non-conductive. They are particularly useful in environments where corrosion is a concern, such as coastal areas or structures exposed to chemicals. Additionally, GFRP bars do not conduct electricity, making them suitable for applications where electrical conductivity is a consideration. To design of its use in reinforced concrete is based on the code of the American Concrete Institute, ACI 440. This product is a certified green product (green material), polymer rebar reinforced with nanotechnology fiberglass, high performance which is also known as "Green Steel". These bars are commonly used in infrastructure projects like bridges, marine structures, and buildings, providing a durable and corrosion-resistant alternative to conventional steel reinforcement.


BIODATA OF SPEAKERS

Dr. Aparna Deshmukh & Ms. Huang Mei Si

1. Dr. Aparna Deshmukh

Aparna Deshmukh is a Technical Director of NEx: An ACI Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials. Her role is to manage the technical and educational efforts of NEx, direct the development of special engineering or educational products, review NEx technical documents, and serve as a liaison for assigned committees and industry partners. Aparna brings nearly a decade of experience in structural engineering and materials research, previously working on projects involving additive manufacturing, cementitious inks, and smart concrete. Prior to joining NEx, Aparna received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA. She worked as a structural engineer and lecturer while earning her ME in Structural Engineering from Pune University, India.


2. Huang Mei Si
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

Mei Si is a principal partner and co-founder of CRT Manufacturing. She is also the designer and innovator behind STARBAR ™, a high-performance sustainable nanotechnology Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer Rebar or green “steel”. Even before its inception and introduction to the market, she has been an active and strong advocate in the adoption of composite reinforcement material with government and regulatory bodies. Mei Si graduated with Bachelor of Science (BSc) (First Class Honours) in Computing Studies from University of Northumbria, United Kingdom. She was also the Valedictorian Award Winner 2007 and Super Achiever Scholar of 2007 at the university. Through the years, she has rallied the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), SIRIM Berhad, Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Municipal and Local Councils throughout Malaysia to adopt the wide usage of sustainable construction materials. In addition, she has been appointed as a member of the Working Group Committee for SIRIM on “Reinforcing Material for Construction” in 2020 and as a Member of WG (JSM) for Structural Reinforced Concrete With Glass Fiber - Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars (NSC 04/TC 21/WG 11) in 2022. She was one of the Speaker in CIDB Event for Session "Green Innovative Construction Materials and Methods" during International Construction Week 2023 (International Construction Transformation Conference (ICTC) 2023) in November 2023.