Crystal Clear Durability: V‑ROD GFRP Bars Fortify Thetford Mines WTP
Defying corrosion and cracking, V‑ROD Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars have been fully integrated into the chlorination tank of the new Thetford Mines water treatment plant in Quebec—the world’s first reinforced-concrete water chlorination tank entirely using GFRP reinforcement. This underground tank features 4.65 m-high walls and is fully instrumented with fiber-optic sensors at critical points. Foundation, vertical walls, and cover slab were cast with 2 500 V‑ROD bars, selected for their superior resistance to chemical attack from chlorination processes and exceptional crack control.
Designed to meet CSA S806 and ACI 440 standards, the composite reinforcement ensures leak-free performance under lateral earth and hydraulic pressures. Field tests—including leakage trials and eight months of service monitoring—confirmed structural integrity and watertightness without corrosion damage. Commissioned in 2012, the tank now delivers treated water to thousands of residents daily. Lightweight and non-conductive, V‑ROD accelerated construction while reducing lifecycle maintenance costs, setting a new benchmark for durability in water treatment infrastructure.