September 25, 2026 — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia has taken an important step toward expanding the use of glass fiber-reinforced polymer rebar in structural concrete, as local standards representatives and the American Concrete Institute explore the adoption of ACI CODE-440.11-22 within the country’s regulatory environment.
Representatives of the American Concrete Institute, the Department of Standards Malaysia, the ACI Malaysia Chapter and GFRP industry stakeholders met in Kuala Lumpur in August 2026 to discuss the technical requirements and coordination needed to support the code-adoption process.
ACI CODE-440.11-22, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars, provides minimum requirements for the materials, design and construction of structural concrete reinforced with GFRP bars.
Building a Clearer Path for GFRP Design
One of the principal challenges facing wider GFRP rebar adoption is the availability of recognized design requirements that engineers, authorities and project owners can apply with confidence.
GFRP reinforcement differs from conventional steel in several important ways. It is noncorrosive, lightweight and electromagnetically neutral, but it also has a lower modulus of elasticity and a linear-elastic response up to rupture. These characteristics must be addressed through material-specific structural calculations and detailing rather than direct bar-for-bar substitution.
ACI CODE-440.11-22 establishes a dedicated framework for designing GFRP-reinforced concrete structures. Its potential adoption in Malaysia could therefore provide engineers with a more consistent basis for evaluating GFRP reinforcement in appropriate building and infrastructure applications.
What This Means for SFT-Bar® GFRP Rebar
For SFTec, the continued international adoption of dedicated GFRP design requirements represents an important step toward making composite reinforcement a practical, code-based engineering solution.
Designed in Canada, SFT-Bar® GFRP rebar provides a lightweight and noncorrosive alternative to conventional steel reinforcement. It is particularly relevant to concrete structures exposed to moisture, chlorides, chemical spills and other aggressive conditions that can accelerate steel corrosion.
SFT-Bar® weighs approximately one-quarter as much as conventional steel rebar, helping simplify transportation and on-site handling. Its noncorrosive characteristics can also support longer-lasting concrete structures with reduced exposure to corrosion-related repairs.
Potential applications include:
- Bridges, barrier walls and bridge decks
- Pavements, roads and parking structures
- Marine and coastal infrastructure
- Water-treatment facilities
- Foundation and retaining-wall systems
- Precast concrete and tunnel segments
Learn more about SFT-Bar® applications in bridges, barrier walls and decks.
Technical Cooperation Moves Forward
On August 16, ACI representatives met with members of the ACI Malaysia Chapter and industry participants at a GFRP manufacturing facility. Discussions included local construction-industry needs, professional education, technical support and opportunities for regional cooperation.
A first official discussion between ACI representatives, the Department of Standards Malaysia and the ACI Malaysia Chapter followed on August 17.
According to ACI, the parties exchanged views on the ongoing adoption process, applicable technical requirements and the support that ACI could provide. They also considered future cooperation involving other concrete standards and technical resources.
The ACI Malaysia Chapter is expected to act as the local coordinating platform for continued communication and technical engagement.
Why This Development Matters
Malaysia’s interest in a dedicated GFRP structural code reflects a broader international trend: composite reinforcement is moving from specialized applications toward standardized engineering practice.
This development is particularly relevant to concrete structures exposed to high humidity, chlorides, chemicals or other aggressive conditions. Because GFRP bars do not undergo the electrochemical corrosion associated with steel reinforcement, they can help reduce corrosion-related deterioration and long-term maintenance requirements when properly designed and specified.
The discussions reported by ACI represent progress toward code adoption—not confirmation that the adoption process has been completed. Further technical review and coordination will be required before any national implementation.
Supporting the Transition to Durable Reinforcement
Greater alignment around recognized GFRP design codes can reduce uncertainty for engineers, improve consistency in project specifications and support the responsible use of corrosion-resistant reinforcement.
SFTec continues to support this transition through SFT-Bar®, its GFRP reinforcement solution for concrete applications where low weight, corrosion resistance and long-term durability are important project considerations.
As GFRP standards continue to develop internationally, product qualification, code-compliant engineering and application-specific design will remain essential. Engineers and project owners considering SFT-Bar® should evaluate each application according to the governing codes, design requirements and project conditions.
Planning a concrete project with GFRP reinforcement? Contact SFTec to discuss SFT-Bar® products, technical information and project requirements.
Industry source: American Concrete Institute — ACI APAC Director Conducts Knowledge Exchange with Key Partners in Malaysia