While steel and concrete have served as the backbone of construction for decades, they also come with inherent limitations. Steel is susceptible to corrosion, particularly in harsh environments like coastal regions or areas with high exposure to chemicals. Concrete, while highly durable, is incredibly heavy, making transportation and installation labour-intensive. Additionally, both steel and concrete offer limited design flexibility, restricting the creative vision of architects and engineers. GRP composite materials emerge as a game-changer, addressing these limitations and offering a future-proof solution for modern construction needs. Learn more: GRP Vs Steel: How Do They Measure Up?
GRP composites find diverse applications across numerous sectors of the construction industry:
GRP excels in structural applications, replacing traditional materials like steel in beams, columns, and arches. Its high strength-to-weight ratio allows for the construction of lighter, more efficient structures, reducing material costs and simplifying transportation and installation.
GRP structural shapes are used for a growing number of applications in infrastructure projects, including tunnels and overpasses, where its durability and resistance to harsh environmental conditions are highly valued.
GRP offers unparallelled design flexibility in architectural applications. Because it can be moulded into custom shapes, this allows for the creation of intricate and aesthetically pleasing shapes, pushing the boundaries of architectural expression. GRP panels can be used for striking and unique building facades, offering a wide range of colours, textures, and finishes. Decorative elements such as columns, beams, and intricate architectural details can be easily fabricated from GRP, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any building.
GRP's exceptional corrosion resistance makes it an ideal choice for industrial applications. In chemical processing plants, GRP structures can withstand exposure to corrosive chemicals, ensuring safe and reliable operations.
In wastewater treatment facilities, GRP components provide a durable and long-lasting solution, resisting the harsh chemical and environmental conditions.
The oil and gas industry also leverages the benefits of GRP, utilising it in offshore platforms, pipelines, and other critical infrastructure where corrosion resistance is paramount.
Fibergrate Regional Sales Manager, Dave Anderson, noted that one of the more advanced proprietary composites getting attention right now is high load pultruded grating. “We’re seeing it used a lot in data centres as a trench grating cover. This type of grating is used for non-turning traffic that needs to withstand forklift and vehicular traffic. It has a higher glass content than traditional pultruded grating.”
This project involved the installation of an GRP maintenance platform inside a cooling tower at a thermoelectric plant. The existing plank walkway posed safety concerns and was prone to deterioration due to the constant exposure to moisture and chemicals. Fibergrate addressed these challenges by installing a platform utilising Corvex® Moulded Grating, Dynaform® ISOFR Structural Shapes, and Corgrate® Handrail System. This solution provided a safe, slip-resistant, and corrosion-resistant platform, improving worker safety and enhancing the overall efficiency of the plant.
The University of Waterloo sought a safe and reliable solution for accessing and maintaining fume hood exhaust units on the roof of their facility. The platform needed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide year-round access for maintenance personnel. Fibergrate provided a solution utilising Corvex® Moulded Grating, Dynaform® Structural Shapes, and Dynarail® Handrail. This GRP solution offered a slip-resistant surface, UV-protected handrails, and exceptional durability, ensuring safe and efficient access for maintenance crews in all weather conditions.
Fibergrate is committed to innovation and sustainability, continuously developing new and improved GRP solutions to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.
Contact Fibergrate today to learn more about our GRP solutions and how we can assist you in your next construction project.
Learn about GRP in mining below...