The Sustainable Choice for Concrete Structures

Sustainable development is defined as: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs – by attempting to balance social, economic and environmental effects.”

Epoxy-coated bars are widely used and help achieve the goals of sustainable development in the following ways:

Recycled content

Epoxy-coated bars are made using readily available reinforcing bar products. These bars are made generally using over 97 percent of recycled materials from primarily post-consumer sources. They are coated using environmentally friendly coatings in safe operations.

Embodied energy

The embodied energy of epoxy-coated bars during manufacture is lower than that of other corrosion-resistant reinforcing steels.

 

Shipping: Epoxy-coated bars are made from locally sourced materials available near most major cities. Other products are produced in limited locations, requiring additional energy inefficient shipping.

Durability

Epoxy-coated bars have provided over 40 years of excellent performance and substantially increase the durability of concrete structures.

Cost

Epoxy-coated bars cost less than other corrosion-protection systems.

  Black Epoxy-coated Low Carbon/Chrome Galvanized Stainless
ITEM
ASTM A615/ASTM A706 ASTM A775/A934 ASTM A1035 ASTM A767 ASTM A955
% recycled
>97 >97 >75 >97 >75
Embodied energy
Low Low High Moderate High
Availability
Nationwide Nationwide Single source Multiple sources Few sources
Durability
Low High Moderate Moderate Very High
Cost
Low Low Moderate Moderate Very High