Image by GripClad
WHAT IS GRP?
Glass-reinforced plastic, known as GRP, is a type of composite material that is made out of plastic that has been strengthened using fine glass fibres. It is a versatile and durable material composed of synthetic resin and glass fibre.
These fibres can be randomly placed, flattened into a sheet, or woven into a fabric-like material. The glass fibres are then covered with a plastic resin to form a composite uniform material. This resin may be made of polyester, polyurethane, vinyl ester, epoxy, or polypropylene.
WHAT ARE COMPOSITE MATERIALS?
Composites are made by combining two or more materials that have different physical and chemical properties. The component materials do not totally blend or lose their unique properties; rather, they combine and contribute their most advantageous properties to enhance the outcome or final product.
Typically, composites are designed with a specific function in mind, such as increased strength, efficiency, or durability. Their use is preferred over that of traditional materials due to the fact that they improve the properties of the materials from which they are produced and can be employed in a variety of situations.
Ref: Engineering Choice: https://i0.wp.com/52.0.170.206/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/What-is-Composite-materials.jpg?fit=1280%2C720
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GRP?
High Ratio of Strength to Weight
Compared to steel, GRP in some cases may be stronger. GRP’s lightweight characteristics make the construction sequence quicker since less manpower is required for the installation of it compared to steel.
Minimal Maintenance
GRP requires little or no maintenance. It is a sturdy material that can withstand outdoor environments with minimum wear and tear. Colors used in GRP undergo a pigmentation process, therefore no matter where the product is used, there won't be any fading or discoloration. This implies that no spray painting or touch-ups are required.
Cost-effective
GRP provides excellent value for money. GRP is cost-effective and saves money in the long run because it needs almost minimal maintenance. Additionally, GRP has a long lifespan, so you won't have to constantly invest in replacing it.
Versatile
GRP is put through a moulding process, which allows it to take the shape of any container. This makes sure that all GRP products are made to the right size to fit perfectly. In addition, it enables GRP to be made to any specification. This allows it to serve many purposes as a material.
Corrosion Resistant
As an added bonus, GRP is corrosion-resistant, making it useful in situations where rust is a common problem.
UV Stability
When making GRP products, a high-quality UV inhibitor is used to stop any UV degradation from happening.
Durability
All GRP products are extremely durable. All of them can handle wear and tear, pressure, and damage. This means that all GRP products will last a long time and stay in good shape.
GRP products can be made to last in any weather conditions that they are installed in, unlike some other materials, which deteriorate much faster over time.
Anti-Slip Finish
GRP can be made with many different kinds of finishes. One of the most popular features is a surface that doesn't slip, even when it's wet. Steel can become dangerous when it gets wet, but GRP is safe and secure to use even when it is wet or damp.
Non-Conductive
GRP is not a conductive material. Because of this, it can be used to eliminate electrical hazards and ensure a risk-free workplace anywhere.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF GRP?
Even though glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) provides a wide series of benefits and is frequently the chosen alternative in the building and infrastructure, there are a few drawbacks to this material that you should be aware of.
Two major drawbacks of GRP are:
Not very rigid and stiff
Can only be used when the temperature is below 300°C
APPLICATIONS OF GRP IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
GRP is used across industries and has numerous applications. Below is the list of a few applications of GRP. This is not an exhaustive list, as GRP has many additional applications besides those listed below.
1. GRP SCAFFOLD TUBES
GRP Scaffold Tubes come in tubes with the same outer diameter as standard aluminium and steel scaffold tubes. GRP Scaffold Tubes have the advantage of being lighter than Steel, which means they use less fuel to get to and from sites. The manual handling is faster, easier, and less likely to cause injury or fatigue. For the higher levels of a scaffolding system, you only need small hoists.
Manufacturer: https://engineered-composites.co.uk/why-grp/
2. GRP Standard Handrails
Fibre glass railing system is simple to construct and install and delivers excellent durability. Due to GRP's high strength-to-weight ratio and low installation and maintenance costs, standard handrails outperform metal and wood alternatives.
Manufacturer: https://engineered-composites.co.uk/why-grp/
3. Anti-Slip GRP Stair Treads and GRP Stair Nosings
Stair safety and security are provided by GRP stair tread covers, landing covers, and stair-nosing covers in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Manufacturers: https://gripclad.co.uk/useful-information/what-is-grp/
4. GRP Surface Mounted Tactile
They need relatively little maintenance and are simple to install. There is no need for surface excavation for the majority of common surfaces, including asphalt, concrete, ceramics, steel, and wood.
Manufacturer: https://gripclad.co.uk/useful-information/what-is-grp/
5. GRP Raised Walkways
GRP walkways can be used in a variety of ways and are low-maintenance. Modular walkways are easy to install.
Manufacturer: https://evergrip.com/what-is-grp/
6. GRP Pressure Pipes
Glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) is used to make pressure pipe systems, which are used in Hydropower, irrigation, water mains and many other things.
Manufacturer: https://www.amiblu.com/why-grp/
7. GRP SEWER AND DRAINAGE PIPES
Traditional corrosion-prone pipe materials like concrete, steel, and iron, which often break down in acidic sewer environments, can be replaced by GRP systems. Glass reinforcement stops creep, and when combined with a smooth anti-fouling bore, they allow safe low-gradient operation without the need for regular maintenance.
Manufacturer: https://www.amiblu.com/why-grp/
8. GRP Architectural Mouldings
Due to its excellent resistance to weathering, GRP architectural mouldings are a great choice for use in outdoor construction. Furthermore, GRP can be shaped into a wide variety of shapes, making it appropriate for both standard and more customized applications.
Manufacturers: https://www.suigeneris.co.uk/index.html
9. GRP Cladding Panels
Cladding panels are appropriate for a wide range of applications in all market sectors. It can be used in a wide variety of fields, including maritime building, railway construction, automobile bodywork, drainage and guttering pipes, septic and interceptor tanks, and architectural feature work and cladding.
Manufacturer: https://www.vulcansystems.co.uk/
10. GRP Roofing
The GRP flat roofing is adaptable to any design and can be used on roofs big and small. All it takes to effectively cover a surface is materials cut to the shape of the roof and the right trimmings. Flat GRP roofs are strong and long-lasting.
Manufacturer: https://www.topseal.co.uk
11. GRP Liners
The best way to fix up large and non-circular culverts and sewers.
12. GRP Water Storage Tanks
GRP tanks are a wise choice since they meet all three criteria for a good water storage system: they are secure, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. The tanks are adapted to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria and also keep away dirt and insects.
Manufacturer: https://tricel.ie/water-storage-tanks/grp-tank/
13. GRP Trenches
The installation takes about a fifth of the time that it takes to install precast concrete.
14. GRP Access Ladder
When working at great heights, GRP ladders ensure a secure and manageable method of gaining vertical access while incorporating corrosion-resistance, durability, and ease of maintenance.
15. GRP Anti Slip Flooring
These sheets are all weather resistant and can cover a huge surface area. The high grip sheet will hide flaws on a roof by contouring the material and reducing slip and trip hazards.
16. GRP window surrounds
These window surrounds are simple to use and require little to no maintenance.
17. GRP Fencing
GRP Fencing can be used instead of wood or concrete fences.
Manufacturers: https://hrfibreglass.co.uk/grp-fencing/
CONCLUSION
The construction industry relies heavily on composites made from glass-fiber-reinforced plastics (GRP). They can be made into lightweight structures and objects that are transparent, translucent, or opaque, colorless or colored, flat sheet or contoured, according to the formulation and application requirements. In addition, there is no restriction on the size of objects that can be made with GRP.