Train engineers to effectively utilize fibre glass in construction industry – KNUST Professor

Professor Charles Kwame Kankam, a lecturer at the Civil Engineering Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has called for extensive training for engineers and construction workers on the use of Fibre Glass Reinforced Polymer (FRP).

Speaking to engineering students at Accra Technical University (ATU) on February 12, 2025, during a structural engineering lecture themed "Hybrid Approach in Concrete Reinforcement: Exploring Innovative Structural Solutions with Fiberglass Reinforcement Polymer (FRP)," Professor Kankam emphasized the importance of understanding the applications of fibre glass in construction.

He explained that with the introduction of fibre glass into Ghana's construction industry, it is crucial for engineers to be well-trained to maximize its benefits.

He highlighted that fibre glass, a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers such as glass, carbon, or aramid, has superior qualities compared to traditional steel, commonly referred to as "iron rods."

“Ghana is not too far away from adopting fibre glass for building because it has many advantages over steel. It is nonmagnetic, nonconductive to electricity, and does not corrode, making it ideal for certain applications where steel may not be suitable," he stated.

He further noted that fibre glass is lightweight, which helps in reducing the overall weight in structural designs.

However, he stressed that since it is a relatively new material in Ghana, continuous research and training are essential to ensure its proper application.

“People will be more attracted to fibre glass as they become more aware of its advantages.

“In ten years, I am confident that fibre glass will be widely used in the country. We are also publishing our research to show that fibre glass manufacturing in Ghana meets international standards,” he added.

Professor Kankam also mentioned that research conducted in Ghana has proven that the properties of fibre glass meet international standards.

Engineer Seth Bright-Attipoo Denyah, a Fellow of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), affirmed that VIVA is currently the only company in Ghana producing fibre glass.

“As a consultant for the technical committee on building materials and construction standards and as the chairman of the GSA’s National Building Code Drafting Technical Committee (2017-2018), I can confirm that Viva and Company Ghana Limited introduced fibre glass in January 2017 to complement the use of steel reinforcement,” he said.

He further explained that any new construction material entering Ghana must undergo rigorous review, inspection, testing, and certification by the Ghana Standards Authority.

“Fibre glass has been in use since the 1940s in Canada and the U.S., but it was only introduced to Ghana in 2017. After thorough assessment, we found that it met the required standards for use in the country,” he noted.

According to Engineer Denyah, some of the key advantages of fibre glass glass include high tensile strength, excellent corrosion resistance, non-conductivity to temperature and electricity, and non-magnetic properties.

“With these advantages, the Ghana Standards Authority was convinced that fibre glass could be used alongside traditional steel reinforcement in construction,” he stated.

Ivan Romanov, CEO of VIVA also urged stakeholders in the construction industry to familiarize themselves with fibre glass and its applications to enhance the quality of construction projects in Ghana.

AM/KA