Natural fibre reinforced polymers (NFRPs) in the construction industry IP 14 14
Natural fibre reinforced polymers (NFRPs) in the construction industry (IP 14/14) was written by Julie Bregulla and published by BRE on 10 November 2014. BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
In FRP composites a polymer resin (a matrix) is reinforced with fibres. The most commonly-used fibres are glass and carbon, the most commonly-used resin is thermoset epoxy or polyester-based. The fibres are combined in the matrix to a homogeneous material, which transfers the stresses in the composition.
The construction industry is one of the largest users of fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs), (specifically Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymers – GRPs), second only to the automotive industry.
Applications include electrical fittings, roofing, flashing, cladding and decking, canopies, windows and doors. FRPs are also used in structural applications such as beams and local reinforcement. Due to their light weight, FRPs can contribute to savings in transportation. They can also be moulded into complex shapes, giving new design possibilities, and they offer a combination of properties not available in traditional materials.
However, increasingly Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymers are being replaced with Natural Fibre Reinforced Polymers (NFRPs), a potential lower impact alternative. Until recently GRPs have been more economically viable than NFRPs; however, with an increasing emphasis on low embodied impacts, natural fibres have become a realistic alternative.
This 8-page information paper reviews the potential for fibre reinforced composites in construction materials, including natural fibres, such as hemp and flax. It discusses their specific benefits and the factors that affect their utilisation.
Its contents are:
- Introduction.
- Materials.
- Material selection.
- Fabrication.
- Performance.
- Applications.
- Conclusions.
- References.
- Further reading.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Government responds to the final Grenfell Inquiry report
A with a brief summary with reactions to their response.
A brief description and background to this new February law.
Everything you need to know about building conservation and the historic environment.
NFCC publishes Industry White Paper on Remediation
Calling for a coordinated approach and cross-departmental Construction Skills Strategy to manage workforce development.
'who blames whom and for what, and there are three reasons for doing that: legal , cultural and moral"
How the Home Energy Model will be different from SAP
Comparing different building energy models.
Mapping approaches for standardisation.
UK Construction contract spending up at the start of 2025
New construction orders increase by 69 percent on December.
Preparing for the future: how specifiers can lead the way
As the construction industry prepares for the updated home and building efficiency standards.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
A practical guide for built environment professionals.
Updating the minimum energy efficiency standards
Background and key points to the current consultation.
Heritage building skills and live-site training.
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.