Two Corrosion-Resistant Options
| Property | GFRP Rebar | Stainless Steel 316L |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | Complete immunity | Very high (not absolute) |
| Tensile strength | 1000–1200 MPa | 500–700 MPa |
| Weight | ~2.1 g/cm³ | ~7.9 g/cm³ |
| Price in India | ₹175–270/kg | ₹600–900/kg |
| Availability | Good — domestic | Limited — mostly imported |
| On-site bending | Not possible | Possible |
| Non-magnetic | Yes | 316L only |
| Non-conductive | Yes | No |
| BIS standard | IS 18256:2023 | None |
When to Choose GFRP
- Non-conductivity required (MRI, electrical zones)
- Complete non-magnetic properties needed
- Budget is a constraint — GFRP is 3–5x cheaper per kg
- Domestic supply matters — manufactured in Surat
When to Consider Stainless Steel
- Complex on-site bending required
- Standard steel design rules must apply
- Ductility required (seismic columns)
The Cost Reality
On a per-metre basis for equivalent reinforcement, stainless steel is approximately 12–15x more expensive than GFRP. For most corrosion-critical applications, GFRP wins clearly.
RN Elements manufactures GFRP in Surat. Available in 3–5 days for standard diameters.