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
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.