SFTec Inc. moving to new office in Montreal, Canada

SFTec Inc. moving to new office in Montreal, Canada

SFTec Inc. is a professional entrepreneurial company that specializes in the business of composite rebar. They dedicate their expertise to develop innovative technology that can improve the concrete and construction industries by manufacturing FRP rebar, SFT-Bar. The applications of FRP rebar are vast; being used in bridges, barrier walls, decks, marine structures, tunnel segments, and any other concrete-based project that requires reinforcement.  The multitude of benefits of using FRP rebar in such a variety of projects helps make it a simple choice for engineers looking for a lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly solution for their concrete-based projects.  The R&D and design…
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Top 3 Challenges of Construction Projects

Top 3 Challenges of Construction Projects

Construction projects come with many challenges at different steps of the building process. Recently, the demand for construction has skyrocketed, which, while much of industry benefits from, there certainly have been ripple effects and challenges that affected the actual completion of construction projects.  The responsibility of ensuring that the construction is completed on time and on budget falls on the project managers. The following list covers 3 of the most common challenges that are faced on construction projects and ways managers can avoid these issues.  1. Poor Direction from Management If management on a construction project has no set plan…
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5 Construction Industry Trends Happening in 2021

5 Construction Industry Trends Happening in 2021

The following article was inspired by the Big Rentez blog: https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/construction-trends  The COVID-19 outbreak and pandemic has impacted the way people work around the world, no matter their field. The construction industry has faced many challenges and changes due to this situation, and new trends are emerging as more sectors are opening up again.  2021 is a strong year of growth in the construction industry, but it comes with more expensive raw materials, more safety regulations, and a shortage of labor. There are also new technologies and improved processes to learn, which is why staying up to date with the…
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Applications of AR Glass Fiber

Applications of AR Glass Fiber

What Is AR Glass Fiber? Alkali resistant (AR) glass fibers were designed to be used to strengthen concrete. Glass fibers have been used in concrete and mortar mixes for several decades, helping to make structures durable and long-lasting. The glass fibers are made from a specially created glass composition mixed with the perfect amount of zirconia of 19% or more. They also have high tensile strength and modulus, are easy to use and mix into concrete, and unlike steel, AR glass fibers are rust resistant.  What Are the Applications of AR Glass Fiber? AR glass fibers work best when combined…
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Intro to Shear Connectors

Intro to Shear Connectors

Engineers are always looking for new ways to improve their construction projects, and one of the best ways to reinforce beams and joints of different materials, especially for steel and concrete, are shear connectors. Using shear connectors allows composite materials, like steel and concrete, to come together seamlessly. There are different shear connectors for various tensile strengths, shear strengths, and compression strengths, making sure that they work perfectly for any building project.  What Are Shear Connectors?  Shear connectors are fasteners which can be used to secure a building or an object to concrete or steel. They can help distribute shear…
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The Impact of COVID-19 on the Construction Industry

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Construction Industry

Recently, MNP, a Canadian tax, accounting and consulting firm, published an interesting article titled How COVID-19 Impacts the Construction Industry which covered several relevant issues that the construction industry is facing due to the pandemic we are in. We wanted to share some of their useful findings with you here.  Impact on Construction Industry The construction industry has certainly felt the impact of COVID-19, and is having to find ways to work safely with fewer workers on-site. Construction and renovations on new homes have either been delayed, slowed down, or stopped completely because of reduction in the supply chain and…
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FRP Rebar Applications

FRP Rebar Applications

There are many benefits to using FRP rebar in reinforced concrete projects. When we compare traditional steel reinforcement to FRP rebar, it is clear FRP rebar is the more efficient choice in all applications. Let’s explore the different ways that FRP rebar can be used.  Bridges, Barrier Walls and Decks One of the most popular FRP rebar applications are bridges, barrier walls, and decks. These specific types of structure require materials that are non-corrosive and are long-lasting, which are both features of FRP rebar. These are important benefits compared to traditional steel reinforced infrastructure projects which have a shorter lifespan,…
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Interview with Groupe Kilo

Interview with Groupe Kilo

SFTec had the pleasure of speaking with some of the team members from Groupe Kilo. Rick Fraij, Sales Manager, and Dr. Ahmed Salama, Structural Engineer, from SFTec spoke with Robert Williamson, Vice President and Project Director, and Sylvain Lalonde, Junior Engineer, Project manager and Estimator, to learn more about their experience with our products. A Little bit about Groupe Kilo Groupe Kilo is a general contractor, specialized in civil works, mainly in concrete and asphalt works that can be institutional, commercial, or household jobs. According to Lalonde, Groupe Kilo caters to “everyone”, small contracts and big contracts too.  A project,…
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FRP Rebar vs Natural Factors

FRP Rebar vs Natural Factors

Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) can be used to strengthen and reinforce structures because of the method that is used to create the material. FRP is made up of a polymer matrix that is usually reinforced with fibers from glass, basalt, aramid or carbon. Because of the composed materials, FRP rebar is the perfect solution when looking for a lightweight, corrosion resistant, and heat resistant product to use in your concrete project. These qualities make using FRP perfect for any concrete project, whether it is a sea wall, bridge, garage or wharf, to name a few.  How FRP Handles High Temperatures…
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Intro to Carbon Straps

Intro to Carbon Straps

Finding the best solution for #crackedconcrete can be tricky if you’re not sure what the best options are. We have found what works best for multiple circumstances are #carbonfiberstraps. Not only do they work perfectly for bowed walls and cracked foundations, but they are a great solution for reinforcing structures because of their strength and permanency. What makes Carbon Fiber Straps so useful?  Carbon fiber straps are perfect for concrete structure repairs because they are much lighter in weight than other reinforcing materials. They are incredibly strong, and are durable in water and high temperatures. The straps are created by…
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