FRP Products for Infrastructure
Is your infrastructure deteriorating? Do you need to restore a bridge or walkway? Is the timber rotting or the steel corroding? Do you need a platform system that can deal with high foot traffic? Need something to deal with harsh coastal conditions? Dealing with infrastructure maintenance and replacement can be a difficult task and expensive task.
Fibreglass reinforced polymer or FRP products offer lightweight, low maintenance and corrosion resistant alternatives to traditional materials like steel, wood, or concrete.
Flexibility in design: FRP allows for considerable flexibility in terms of design. No welding equipment is needed and can be field fabricated using standard tools, therefore no hot works permits are required. In many cases the structures can be prefabricated and transported directly to site. The lightweight nature of the materials means they are easier to transport and install. Whereas steel often, requires specialist lifting equipment. The colour of FRP is part of the manufacturing process and goes through the part and not just a surface coating that requires periodic reapplication like traditional materials.
Resistance to Corrosion, rot, and infestation: One of the greatest features of the FRP products is their resistance to chemicals, water etc. As FRP is not affected by water or even full or partial immersion it is suitable for marine applications. The chemical resistance further opens where FRP products can be installed. Traditional materials such as steel and aluminium are prone to oxidation and require coating or galvanising for many applications. Wood can rot and distort when exposed to water and chemicals. Wood is also susceptible to attacks from insects which can dramatically shorten the life of an installation. Whereas FRP is not prone to insect damage.
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: FRP products are good insulators with low thermal conductivity. Whereas steel and aluminium which both conduct heat. They are also non-conductive and do not require grounding. Wood can also be conductive when wet.
Low Maintenance: Once installed FRP structures, walkways, etc. require virtually zero maintenance. Thus greatly reducing the life cycle cost of a structure when compared to traditional materials such as steel.
Impact resistance: Unlike steel or aluminium, FRP products do not permanently deform after impact and will return to its original form. Should damage occur, the effected part can simply be unbolted and replaced. Without the need to use any cutting or welding gear.
Overall FRP products can be used in place traditional materials. Contact us toady to see how Composite Engineering’s MaxiGRATE, MaxiRAIL and MaxiSTRUCT range can help make your project better.
