Atlas Copco has announced an agreement
to work with Minova MAI GmbH to distribute its fiber-reinforced polymer (FiReP)
line of ground support products. The FiReP Group is one of the world’s leading
manufacturers of fiber reinforced polymer products for mining, tunneling and
civil engineering. Atlas Copco will be working closely with Klug &
Associates, manufacturers’ representatives and experts in the North American
tunneling market.
FiReP products are produced with
high-quality fibers embedded in a polyester, vinylester or epoxy resin mix that
fixes and protects the fibers. This process results in a high-tensile strength
longitudinally that resists stretching. The rod or tube is produced with a
wave-shaped thread profile. FiReP GFRP rock bolt systems are best suited to
applications that require high-tensile strength and the particular
characteristics of fiberglass materials.
“We see this product as very important
to us to complement our other ground support and earth-retention products,” says
Doug Podraza, Atlas Copco’s product manager for geotechnical consumables. “FiReP
GFRP technology is ideal for those right-of-way issues we see in urban
construction.”