Ever since composites first became viable for industrial use, it has revolutionized the way we are building different structures around us. First used extensively in the marine industry, composites like GRP and FRP soon found their way in automotive and aerospace. Today it is impossible to think of these without composites.
The use of composite in construction has been comparatively slower to take off and staggered across different sections. While certain components like FRP shower heads have been in use since the 70s, more complex use of GRP sections India in construction came later. Today the construction industry is increasingly reliant on composites like GRP and FRP in final structures and in actual construction work.
Once seen only fit for bits and pieces, today GRP is an important part of any construction project. In fact, it is also now used in restoring famous historical buildings. It seems all we were waiting for is the development of the composite material into construction material known as construction GRP.
GRP is an anisotropic materials, meaning that its mechanical properties can be tweaked as per requirements. We can add reinforcements in thickness and layers. Here are some of the unique properties of construction GRP that makes it an increasingly numero uno choice in the industry:
Flexibility: As explained above, GRP can be moulded as per requirement. We can build almost any component from GRP — from tubs, acoustic panels to renovations parts of an old pillar! This has provided GRP manufacturers a unique opportunity to be a one-point stop for all construction needs.
Flexural strength: We can build a GRP section India as per flexural strength requirement. While some laminates may show consistent performance at different points, other laminates can adapt to the load direction. The flexural strength can be enhanced without increasing the weight. The result is that it cannot be easily damaged despite rough handling or in more demanding constructions.
Shear strength: With the right reinforcement we can increase the shear strength of the material as per requirement. This is a critical requirement for construction material. We need to know how much a component can take before breaking. It is also unimportant criteria for meeting set standards in construction material. Also, once considered one of its chief drawbacks, recent developments have given us better control over those critical requirements.
Lightweight: GRP has the highest strength to weight ratio, which means that even though it is as strong as other materials it is less than half the weight. This is a significant advantage in construction. We can lift GRP sections India without a lot of effort. It cost less to ship and install. Labour and equipment cost are lowered. The lighter GRP requires less structural support, reducing the stress. In certain constructions like walkways and bridges, the light weight if GRP becomes even more important. Lighter weight is a decided advantage when dealing with high installations.
Corrosion resistance: GRP is remarkably resistant to many corrosive elements, making it a suitable construction material for hostile environment. Indeed GRP structures are found in some of the most corrosive places like mines and chemical factories where elevators, walkways and platforms are often built with composite material. It is also resistant to most environmental factors that an average construction is exposed to.
Significantly, this resistance is not thanks to special treatment, polish or coating of paint. This is one of GRP’s inherent qualities and remains even if the structure exterior gets scratched, bent, damaged or broken in some way!
Low thermal conductivity: GRP has low thermal conductivity. In construction it means that we can effectively regulate the temperature in GRP structures. Since it does not conduct heat or cold well, we can achieve a stable temperature. This is an important criteria in tropical as well cold places where we need temperature controlled interiors.
Low lifetime costs: Although the initial costs of GRP sections may seem high, its cost over a lifetime is actually quite low. It does not need regular paint, polish or other high maintenance like steel, concrete or timber. It does not rot or rust. It also does not damage easily. When used in interior structures like pipes, FRP can easily outlast other materials. As a construction material for structures like bridges, all it requires is regular cleaning from time to time.
