Análise comparativa da utilização de barras de fibra de vidro e de aço em tubos de concreto reforçados para sistemas de esgotamento sanitário

Abstract

This study investigates the application of concrete pipes reinforced with fiberglass bars in sanitary sewage systems. Considering that sanitary sewage represents a highly aggressive environment and is often neglected in terms of maintenance, corrosion becomes one of the main degradation factors, compromising the durability and service life of conventional pipes. In this context, fiberglass bars emerge as a promising alternative to steel reinforcement. The research compares two structural solutions: one pipe reinforced with steel bars and the other with fiberglass bars (GFRP), analyzing their advantages, limitations, and performance under operational conditions. In addition to structural sizing, parameters such as durability, corrosion resistance, and maintenance needs throughout the structure’s lifespan were considered. Among the results obtained, it was observed that for a concrete pipe with predefined dimensions, the steel reinforcement requires an area of approximately 8.6 cm², while the GFRP reinforcement requires around 6.7 cm² to withstand the same stresses, demonstrating greater efficiency of the composite material. The study reinforces the need for more durable, sustainable, and costeffective solutions that contribute to reducing pathological manifestations and increasing the service life of these infrastructures, especially in sewage networks exposed to high chemical aggressiveness.