FRP Construction Materials

One of Thermal Construction’s design-build services is constructing specialty FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) panels, composite FRP curb wall protection, and seamless FRP opening frames. FRP composites are being increasingly used in engineering and construction to replace traditional building materials due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, lightness, non-corrodibility and low maintenance. FRP material properties offer sustainable benefits primarily in the service life, but also in the production phase and end of life cycle.1

FRP resins are recyclable and retain most of their mechanical properties after recycling. Though resins are oil industry byproducts, quantities needed are negligible compared to today’s total consumption of fossil fuels. Glass fibers obtained from quartz and limestone are near inexhaustible resources. Part of the raw material can be obtained from recycled glass. GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) composites require only one-quarter the energy needed to product steel and one-sixth the energy needed to produce aluminum, both traditional building materials.1 Furthermore, FRP’s high strength and stiffness characteristics require less material to achieve similar performance as traditional building materials which can minimize resource use and waste.2

FRP service life is more environmentally sustainable than most traditional materials because it needs very little maintenance and exhibits durability in relatively harsh environments. Also, FRP’s low thermal conductivity may be associated with building energy savings.1 FRP used in renovation can extend service life of existing structures and new structures with FRP provide improved resistance to aging and degradation in severe environments.2

In conclusion, FRP is an excellent construction material choice for sustainable building design and operation. Contact Thermal Construction about designing and building your next renovation or new construction project with FRP.

 

Sources:

  1. Bai, Jiping, editor. Advanced fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for structural applications, Woodhead Publishing, 2013. Series in Civil and Structural Engineering No. 46. pp. 241-243.
  2. Lee, L.S., Jain, R. The role of FRP composites in a sustainable world. Clean Techn Environ Policy 11, 247–249 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-009-0253-0