Tropical and subtropical areas are hot, humid, and have specific environmental concerns that require special attention. Numerous areas of the United States such as Florida, the Gulf Coast, the Atlantic Regions, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, all experience a number of the same unique climatic conditions and adverse environmental elements.
These regions can experience intense periods of seasonal rain, tropical storms, hurricanes, flooding, and storm surge, all of which accelerate rusting. Therefore, the use of steel reinforced concrete in these areas requires careful consideration.
Steel deteriorates as a result of exposure to oxygen, moisture, carbon dioxide, heavy concentrations of salt in the air and soil, and other chemical substances. All of these provide an ideal environment for steel corrosion to occur.
Salt promotes galvanic action in the reinforcing steel when cracks in concrete allow moisture and salt to come into contact with the embedded steel. Therefore, concrete with steel rebar requires a systematic maintenance program that must be continued throughout its entire lifecycle if the structure or infrastructures is to remain safe.
Impacts to concrete during hurricanes, tropical force winds, or storm surge, can cause reinforced concrete to break, crumble or delaminate. Cracked concrete allows air, water and salt to reach the steel rebar. Then as the reinforcement rusts, it expands and cracks the concrete further, creating a cycle of destruction.
However, with the latest developments of science and technology, a new material is playing an important role as a substitute for traditional steel reinforced materials, and showing improved performance.
Basalt America is using leading edge green technology to produce basalt fiber reinforced polymer products. These steel replacement products never rust, create virtually no carbon footprint and have lifespans of more than a century.
Basalt fiber is the consummate solution to corrosion from water, moisture and salt infiltration in tropical and subtropical locations. It has high strength and damage tolerance, excellent corrosion resistance, and is lighter weight also.
In fact, its weight is 75 percent lighter than the heavier stainless-steel rebar alternative, yet it is twice as strong, and is available at a fraction of the cost, saving time, money, and avoiding costly maintenance. Basalt has been rigorously tested and proven as the viable alternative.
When used as an alternative to steel rebar, structures and infrastructures will last virtually forever. With its durability, strength and longevity, this superior product ensures performance, while being economically and environmentally friendly.
If you would like more information on how our basalt products can help you build in challenging climates and conditions, please visit basaltamerica.com today.