WORKSHEET (page 1 of 4)

Most connections with fiberglass rebar need to be designed for structural integrity to delermine the location, quantity, diameter, and length of rebar necessary to withstand the forces acting on them.

This calculation sheet shows a simplified method for the design of connections.  Since numerous structural variations occur.  It is strongly recommended that a structural engineer calculate or review the application and design before field work begins.

The weakest link in a simple splice connection is the linear shear of the wood.  At some point the wood adjacent to the epoxy in one end of the connection will "pull out" at a force proportional to the shear values of the wood fibers.  Refer to the figure below. Linear shear values for the epoxy and fiberglass rebar and their bond shear far exceed the shear value of the wood.

The calculation process determines how many square inches of hole surface (epoxy surface area with the wood) is necessary to counteract the force on tile rebar.  Variables to this design are the number of rebar, diameter of the holes and depth of the holes to provide the necessary surface area.  Locations and positioning of the holes is an additional important factor and is based on the direction or application of the force.  In all cases, the primary rebar must be located in the tension zone of the member since the connection is primarily in tension.