BCR: A revolution in the composite materials industry

What is braided composite armor?

The BCR is a structural beam consisting of a braided textile structure with axial reinforcement, developed on the basis of the concept of multifunctional structures. The main innovation lies in the ability to integrate different types of fibers, such as fiberglass.

The result? More rational use of materials, superior performance and significant cost savings.

This design allows the creation of customized bars, adapted to different applications and loading conditions.

Over the years, the construction industry has used iron reinforcing bars with great success, due to their availability and the intrinsic characteristics of steel: malleability and ductility. Steel, however, has limitations due to its ferrous base and supply characteristics, namely:

Weight: difficult to handle without means of support for loading and transportation
Logistics: low level of configuration based on the lengths supplied and low volumetric occupancy rates of the means of transport, due to the high specific weight.
Oxidation: exposure to the elements, particularly humidity, induces corrosion. This factor is exacerbated in saline environments. As a result, it requires greater concrete coverings.
Low electromagnetic compatibility
A high environmental impact due to the high energy burden inherent in its production – the steel industry is responsible for around 8% of the world’s CO2 emissions, with construction rod accounting for around 1.5 percentage points – as well as the high environmental burden of its transportation.
Corrosion of steel reinforcement caused by concrete corrosion is a significant issue that often leads to structural deterioration and premature end of life for structures.

The evolution of composite materials has made it possible to design a solution that has been developed over more than a decade, combining elements that produce a product that stands out for the real added value it brings to the market:

It weighs 4-5 times less than steel, allowing measurable gains in transportation costs.
The ability to be handled without additional means of movement, allowing easy manual loading on site, especially in hard-to-reach places.
Highly suitable for installation in saline environments due to its immunity to oxidation.
Resistant to chemical aggression.
High thermal stability, does not promote cracking of the surrounding concrete, reducing maintenance and repair costs.
As a product with low thermal conductivity, it is very suitable for preventing thermal bridges.
High electromagnetic compatibility, immune to interference and non-magnetic.
An estimated durability of more than 80 years, with much longer life cycles than construction steels.
Cut to size in the factory, avoiding post-processing on site, reducing construction time and operating costs.
It allows for slimmer solutions as it requires less concrete cover.