NEx Releases Featured Talk by Danielle Kleinhans: "GFRP for Flatwork - User Experience and Common Misconceptions"

At the ACI 2025 Spring Convention in Toronto, ON, NEx hosted a technical workshop titled Design of GFRP-Reinforced Slabs-on-Ground and Paving. Among the 11 featured speakers, Danielle Kleinhans, Ph.D., P.E., Director of Engineering and Business Development at Mateenbar, delivered a compelling session titled User Experiences and Common Misconceptions in Flatwork with GFRP Rebar.

In her presentation, Danielle addressed the growing interest in Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) as a sustainable alternative to steel in slab-on-ground applications. Drawing on her extensive background in structural design, standards development, and engineering education, she provided clarity on material performance, project implementation, and common industry misunderstandings. Her session offered both foundational knowledge and practical takeaways for engineers, contractors, and decision-makers working to adopt nonmetallic solutions in modern construction.

Please visit our YouTube channel to view the video.

Danielle Kleinhans, Ph.D., P.E., is the Director of Engineering and Business Development at Mateenbar with over two decades of experience in structural engineering, forensic analysis, and association leadership. She brings a deep understanding of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebar and its integration into slab-on-ground and flatwork applications. Danielle has been instrumental in bridging technical innovation with real-world practice, helping stakeholders navigate design standards, field performance, and material behavior. Through her leadership, she continues to advance the adoption of nonmetallic reinforcement as a durable, corrosion-resistant alternative to traditional steel, bringing clarity and credibility to one of the most talked-about topics in modern concrete construction.