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.”