Glass reinforced plastic GRP
Glass reinforced plastic (GRP), is sometimes referred to as; glass reinforced polyester, fibreglass, glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP), fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) or fibre reinforced polymer (FRP).
It is a composite, laminate material that was first developed in the 1930s and consists of glass fibres used to reinforce a plastic, typically a polyester resin. The glass fibres can be used as ‘random’ short-chopped strands formed into a mat, or they can be gathered together into ‘rovings’ (bundled rope), or woven into a fabric.
GRP can be mass produced or built-up by hand, and after curing, forms a complex matrix of plastic and glass fibre. The composite properties of high-strength glass fibre and highly-resilient plastic, make GRP strong, lightweight and weather- and corrosion-resistant. It can also be manufactured to be fire retardant. As a result, it is suitable for a very wide range of applications such as boat building, car bodies, cabinets and helmets.
In construction, these characteristics, mean that it is easy to install, requires little supporting structure, is durable and is low maintenance. As a result, it is used to manufacture components such as:
- Architectural mouldings.
- Fascia panels.
- Tanks, planters and linings.
- Storage containers.
- Doors and door surrounds.
- Window surrounds and sills.
- Piping.
- Cladding panels.
- Roofing.
- Walkways and railings.
- Dome structures such as radomes.
- Kiosks.
- Covers.
- Signs.
It can also be used for temporary applications such as formwork.
GRP can be given a range of colours and textures, as a result of which it is commonly used to re-create the appearance of other materials (such as brickwork) but with a fraction of the weight.
GRP is a fairly brittle material, but is relatively easy to repair when damaged.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Acrylic.
- Carbon fibre.
- Cladding.
- Curtain wall systems.
- Glass fibre.
- Formwork.
- Geodesic dome.
- Glass.
- Glass reinforced concrete.
- Joined-up thinking is key to building safely.
- Laminate.
- Modular buildings.
- Off site materials.
- Plastic.
- Plastic cladding.
- Polycarbonate plastic.
- Resin.
- The development of structural membranes.
Featured articles and news
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.