FRP: The Superior Choice for Designing Sturdier Structures

A number of technological refinements have been witnessed by the world over time that has contributed in the process of simplifying our lives. Be it the industrial or residential sector, technology has impacted every facet of human lives. One such sector, which has witnessed tremendous development in the recent years, is the construction and manufacturing sector and one of the most revolutionary developments is the introduction of fiberglass material. 

Fiberglass: In Brief

FRP) Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic composites comprise of reinforcement and an engineered plastic (polymer), which is further enhanced by using certain other elements like core materials and additives. Such a combination results in production of some of the sturdiest materials, which are most flexible as well. The component made by the process of Composite Grating can perform as per the requirements of the end-user, depending on the selection of materials. It is certainly a wiser choice for end-users to note the load performance, application environment and specific requirements in terms of durability and strength for producing the desirable component.

FRP composites generally presents a number of promising benefits, which has surpassed the potency of other conventional materials and an overview of the same is given. 

Superior Strength and Firmness Retention

Composites are mainly designed to host a range of mechanical properties like flexural, compressive and impact and tensile strength. Moreover, unlike the conventional materials, composites have their individual strength oriented for meeting the particular design requirements of the application. 

Resistance to Various Environmental Factors

These composites feature commendable resistance to corrosive effects of:

·         Freeze-Defrost: These composite materials do not get attacked by galvanic corrosion and moreover, have lower water absorption. Thus, they resist the negative expansion of freezing water. 

·         Ultra-Violet And Weathering Light: The FRP composites manufactured for weather exposure is fabricated by a thin surface layer, which contains an ultraviolet inhibitor or pigmented get coat both of which serves as an additive to composite matrix. These two methods results in providing protection to underlying material by minimizing water absorption and screening out the UV rays along the resin/fiber interface. 

·         Temperature and Chemicals: FRP composites do not corrode or rust and so can be fabricated to offer long-term resistance to various temperature and chemical environments. 

Bottom Line

Structures made of FRP, typically host numerous benefits for which, they have gained wide acceptance in the industry. Depending on the specific application or requirements, the FRP products manufactured by the process of Pultrusions display the desirable properties, thereby proving to be the superior in comparison to traditional materials.

Conventional Materials vs. Products Made Out Of Fibreglass

Since decades, engineers have been using traditional materials in their work stations. Some of those materials like aluminum, steel and stainless steel that have been popular for ages are now getting replaced by a new material, which has already made its introduction in the market.  The biggest reason behind their replacement is extensive need of maintenance and huge price range. When you are looking for a material that can be used in industrial sectors, you need something that is long lasting, cheap and doesn’t require much maintenance. Though, engineers have used these conventional materials for years, they were always looking for an alternative.

FRP or the Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic forms best substitute, when durability and efficiency is taken into consideration. Evaluation of this material has proved to be a boon, because they are both effective and economic for the company owners. This is the bet material according to the experts because they have been manufactured by combining polymer matrix wither fibers and resins. Uses of resins enhance the strength of the structures, which is most essential for industrial sectors. Apart from these, there are various other benefits of FRP made materials like fiberglass handrails and instrumentation stands, for which, engineers have always supported their use. 

Here Are Some Of The Most Effective And Highlighting Benefits Of FRP Made Products: 

Robust: 

One of the most highlighting advantages of this material is that they are highly robust in nature, which is one of the biggest demands by the industrial sectors and factories. Being a composite material, FRP comes with huge strength and thus, has the capability to withstand huge pressure and weight. 

Light weighted: 

Apart from being highly robust in nature, this material doesn’t weight much like steel and aluminum. Surprisingly, this is one of the light weighted materials available in the market. Being such light weighted in nature, transporting it from one place to the other becomes highly easy for both manufacturers and owners. It also reduces the amount of cot price, making it much cheaper than the conventional materials.  

Electricity and Corrosion Resistant: 

Another most exciting benefit of FRP material is that they are extensively resistant to corrosion and electricity, which are too high in both commercial and residential sectors. In factories and industries, cable wires and chemicals are a few elements that you can find very frequently. Thus, you need a material that is resistant to it and does not get effected when comes in contact with these.

Restricts The Growth Of Rust:   

Apart all the above mentioned qualities, FRP also resist the growth of rust and enhance the longevity of the product by years.

These are some, but there are numerous other benefits of FRP handrails and other products made out of this material.

Three Advantages of using FRP over Traditional Alternatives

The owners of industries need to ensure safety of the workers. For this, there are various anti-slip mechanisms introduced by the employers. Grating and stair nosing are among the few important mechanisms that can control the unwanted mishaps that happen due to carelessness. The anti-slip stair treads are made up of FRP or fiber reinforced plastics. These mechanisms are practically the most important alternative to the traditional materials. The materials can suffer wear and tear because of environmental elements like heat, rain, and dust. FRP is a cost effective replacement that ensures that it need not be repaired or replaced within small intervals.

Importance Of Fiber Reinforced Plastic In Making Anti-Slip Materials:

As mentioned earlier, FRP is a durable material and thus it is used for many purposes in the industrial sectors and the domestic household, as well. FRP has many characteristics that make it different from the traditional materials. Some of the most prominent structural sections that are manufactured from this material include stair capping and floor gratings. While Gratings are basically used to demarcate the floors into sections the latter is used to prevent slips and falls from stairs. The demarcation is made of FRP so that it is visible from a distance. The following are the factors that make it a desirable option for one to choose FRP:

•    Freedom To Mold Into Designs:

It is easy to mold FRP into any shapes. There are only a few restrictions related to the design of it. The material is easily molded in any desired shapes. There are unlimited engineering possibilities with the material. The material can be made into multiple pieces and then just converted into one single piece easily. This is not possible with traditional alternatives like wood, aluminum or steel.

•    Cost Effectiveness:
The traditional materials are not durable enough and are subjected to wear and tear due to environmental action on it. But this material do not react to heat or thermal energy, thus do not undergo any wear and tear. This makes the material cost effective and there is a minimum requirement of repair and replacement of the material. Therefore, the employees can manage cash flow easily. The installation of this is easy and no extra cost is incurred for it.

•    Special Characteristic:

The material has various special characteristics which make it a popular choice. The material is a non-conductor of electricity and radio frequency transparent. This makes it easier to use the material perfect for a housing of electronics goods. There arises no disturbances in the performances of the electronic device and also ensures the safety of workers and other employees.

Apart from gratings there are various other anti-slip mechanisms as well that ensures safety. Stairnosing is one such mechanism which is introduced in the stairs to increase the surface area of the stairs and the friction of the shoe soles with it so that people do not trip or fall down the stairs.

Why FRP is Apt for Manufacturing Industrial Structures

With the advancement in science and technology, numerous new products have come into existence that has surpassed the demand of the conventional products. For the purpose of industrial construction, there is a need for strong materials in order to ensure safety. Unlike previous times, when traditional metals were mostly in demand due to their strength and durability, today advent of technology has facilitated the manufacture of advanced composite materials like FRP (Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic). They are manufactured in a way that it finds its usage in the almost every sector.

There is nothing new about the fact that industrial construction requires sturdy materials in order to ensure safety. All the pultruded FRP structures in such scenario play a good role for the constructional purpose. Their immense strength, resistance to heat and electricity and variable other factors make them the ultimate alternative of the traditional metals. Here are some of the benefits of making use of these structures.

FRP Vs Traditional Metals:

When it is about industrial usage, earlier times metals were the only choice for the people. Undoubtedly, metals possess a distinguished strength that is crucial for the construction of the industrial structures; still structures made by the process of pultrusions stand apart. Keeping in mind the problems faced by the engineers while construction, these structures are being manufactured. One of the most amazing features of these structures is that they can be given a shape depending on the requirement and therefore, they become a valuable choice for making usage in constructional purpose.

•    Durable: Frequently changing the huge structures is never a valuable choice as they are huge. This is the reason why there is a necessity of making usage of those structures that have an excellent durability. Metals are generally a good choice, but due the excellent durability and capability to withstand the change in temperature, they make a preferable choice for the engineers.

•    Cost-Effective: The price of metals are sky high, thus not everyone can afford them for constructing those huge structures. FRP, on the hand, offers equal strength at a reasonable price and, therefore, have become a preferable choice for the people throughout the world.

•    Design Flexibility: Most of the traditional metals do not offer an array of choices for the people. But when it is about the FRP structures the designs available are numerous. Since manufacturers can design according to their requirement, FRP becomes a preferable choice. Therefore make sure you rely on these durable structures and enhance the beauty.

These are some of the advantages of making use of FRP structures. Nowadays for the industrial grating purpose, fibreglass grating are mostly preferred because of their many advantages and ability to withstand the change in temperature.

Proposed Advancements in the FRP Structures

In the recent times, the requirement of the advanced and durable components and structures has greatly increased, especially in the field of construction industry. In the 21st century, all of these advanced structures are incorporated with sophisticated sensors which make these structures capable of performing self-health monitoring without the need of any human interference.

These smart systems have allowed the monitoring of the various construction units. This concept was applied via the installations of sensors, such as accelerometer, for the evaluation of the durability and tensile strength of the heavy structures such as dams, bridges and so on. However, one major drawback of these systems is the high cost.

Due to the high cost associated with those smart systems, engineers and construction workers have desired the implementation of materials which are durable and strong as steel but require least amount of maintenance. Thus was the rise of the FRP structures which were considered to be the ideal material for the construction of various structures. These fibre-reinforced polymer structures are made of epoxy resin and fibre strands of carbon, basalt, glass or aramid. These materials possess a high resistance to heat, electricity, rust, chemical corrosion which would not be seen, if not all, in the conventional building materials.

Here is a list of some of the proposed advanced FRP components and structures:

•    FRP anchorage system: The anchorage is perhaps the most vital component for the durability and reliability of the various structures. In this particular system, the stress developed at the axial and interfacial must be accurately computed on a real time basis. Due to the difficulty in the installation of sensors for determining the levels of pressure, the FRP anchor rod and FRP anchorage are used for identifying the pressure levels and hence strengthening those points.

•    Smart FRP bars: These bars were taken in as a replacement of the metal bars, thus ensuring the structural stability and safety to the surrounding environment. These FRP bars comprise of the OFS (Optic Fibre Sensing) technology which is integrated into these bars at the time pultrusion process. Since these sensors-embedded bars can help the engineers to find the point of defect of a structure, if any, and quickly amend it for ensuring the safety of the occupants and the surroundings.

•    External FRP systems: Various types of infrastructure, mainly bridges, suffer from the climatic impact and deteriorate as a result of the wear and tear. For the newer construction as replacement of the deteriorated infrastructures, it would require a huge amount of time, as well as, investment. Thus, implementing the FRP composites as part of the repairing methods would be efficient in terms of both time and money

These are just some of the proposals, which are being gradually implemented in only a few industries but are likely to be adapted throughout the world within a short span of time. FRP grating is one example of the quite prominent FRP technology which is widely used in several industries for facilitating the reduction of accidents from slip and fall. Similarly, there are several of the fibre-reinforced polymer applications which can be easily used, in turn, ensuring the durability & stability of the structures.

FRP Stair Nosing: Ensuring Comprehensive Staircase Safety

Ensuring safety has evolved to be one of the major concerns of the architects and engineers. With time the number of accidents happening in the industrial and commercial sector is increasing at an alarming rate. Among the different parts of a building where people often encounter accidents, stairs are the section where the numbers of mishaps are dramatically high. Although myriad of measures have been taken to reduce the numbers of accidents, stairnosing from them have proved to be an effective way.

These advanced stair-capping structures are manufactured from several conventional materials like rubber and aluminum, however, among all of them Fibre Reinforced Plastics seems to be a good choice. Their unmatched strength and durability makes them a highly preferable choice. 

 

What Makes FRP a Beneficial Choice for Stairnosing:

Unlike traditional days, when conventional metals were the only option, advent of these advanced materials has made the concept of stair nosing highly advanced. As the chances of accidents are more in stairs, therefore, the need for an anti-slip material is more. FRP based structures possess the potential to reduce the numbers of accidents to a definite level, owing to their anti-slip properties.

FRP is a distinctive material that possesses unmatched durability and is a strong option. Like traditional metals, these materials do not react with air and water and, therefore, resist corrosion. Along with these, their availability into different colors, shapes, sizes and designs makes them appropriate for finding its usage in stair nosing.

Why FRP Stairnosing:

•    Ensures no wear and tear of stairs:

One of the most common things about stairs is that since it is the only area that is being used for access every time, they lose their original looks and wear and tears can be observed. Broken stairs not only look undesirable, but also enhances risk. During the busiest hours of a day, due to rush, people might skip the broken part and encounter accident. FRP stair nosing is definitely a beneficial choice as it covers the edges and reduces the chances of accidents.

•    Offers additional space for stepping:

There is always a need for an additional place for steps. In many areas, it can be observed that the space is very short to step properly. This is also a huge reason that results in accidents and, thereby, proper measures need to be taken. Stair nosing is definitely a beneficial way to add space. With the placement of an additional material, stair gets broader which means more space and less accident.

•    Enhance the looks of an area:

Stair nosing certainly enhances the looks, but making use of FRP has become an add-on. The different colors, sizes and shapes of these materials when used on stairs make it look attractive. Make sure you opt for stair nosing and ensure safety.

Stair nosing is a preferable technique where an additional material is being used on the stair surface offers additional security. Now you can also make use of FRP grating in the industrial sites to reduce the chances of slipping and tripping and ensuring safety.

Various Popular Varieties of Stair Nosing Systems

Safe and secured workplace is something what all employees demand from their employers. They all look for a work zone where they can work without fearing about death and accidents. Well, providing a safe area for work will not only enhance the productivity of your company, but also its profit margin. It boots and energizes your employees and makes them work more dedicatedly.

There are various elements in a workstation, which can become a reason of your accident. Not only the machines and things with sharp edges can prove to be harmful and dangerous, there are various other things in a workplace that can become much dangerous at times. One of such places in a workplace can be the staircases, which you use every day to climb up and down from one floor to the other. Stairways of an office area experience much of foot traffic, which may lead to serious mishaps like tripping down and falling.

To control these situations, people involved several methods, but none of them worked correctly, until stairnosing systems came into the market. These nosing systems worked like a boon to the company owners who opted for a secured solution that would prevent the number of accidents on staircases.

Various Types of Stair Nosing Systems Available In the Market:
Single strip nosing system:

Single strip nosing systems are much popular in the market. They are not only cost effective, but also offer extensive protection from skips and trips. Whether for the indoor or outdoor staircases, these nosing systems can prove helpful in every situation. They are highly beneficial and offer huge safety and security to the people who regularly tread on stairs. Most important thing is that they resist people from slipping and tripping down the satires.

Double strip nosing system:

Apart from the single nosing system, this double nosing system offer better protection to people.These cover both sides of the stairs and make sure that all the sharp edges of the steps stay covered. It not only enhances your grip, but also keeps you covered from those edges that might cause serious injuries to you.

Some of these come with lights glowing in them; they help people to see even when there is darkness.These starts glowing whenever the light is dim and prevents you from falling or meeting accidents even when their isn’t much light.

These are some, but there are various other stair nosing systems available in the market.Look for nosing systems with Pultrusions. These are a better option because they offer you both quality and ultimate protection.

FRP Stair Nosing: Effective Way to Decrease Accidents

Ensuring safety is the major concern for owners. Since stairs serve as a major part for access, incorporation of safety materials proves to be extremely beneficial.  After conducting many experiments, it have been concluded that stairs are the structures where most of the accidents take place. Proper maintenance of stairs is extremely important to minimize the risk.

When compared to residential areas, the risk associated with industrial staircase is comparatively higher. As they remain exposed to harsh conditions like moisture, chemicals and so on, a protective measure is a necessity. Various protective measures have been taken to reduce the chances of slip and falls, one of such is the stair nosing. This is a very effective way to ensure safety. 

Why FRP Stair Nosing:

Stairnosing can be done by making use of conventional materials but when observed, this is a threat for workers.  Conventional materials like aluminum and steel, when remains exposed to harsh environmental condition tend to wither with usage. For example, the staircase made of steel, with numerous usages become slippery. Treading on such slippery edges increases the chance of slips and trips thereby result in damage. In addition to this, conventional materials have the tendency to react with moist environment and result in corrosion. This in turn weakens the structure, making it unsafe for industrial purpose.

Fibreglass in such scenario tends to be the ideal choice. These composite materials possess the capability to withstand the changes in temperature. Laminating the stairs by making usage of FRP products covers the sharp edges thereby ensuring safety. Let us find out the other benefits of this system. 

·         Protects Sharp Edges:

This is considered as a prime reason of stair edging. Since, for the purpose of stair nosing, an additional material is being used, they help to cover the edges. Increased width of the materials protects the stair edges and, therefore, eliminates the chance of wear and tear. A broken edge does not only cast a bad impression but also increase the chances of risk. So, in order to protect stairs make sure of installing FRP stair nosing. 

·         Offers Visibility:

Since stairs look similar, sometimes due to improper visibility people encounter accidents. FRP stair nosing is a good way to reduce the number of accidents because of their availability in various colors. Colors of FRP makes them properly visible to your eyes thereby decrease accidents to a good level. The luminous strips prove to be extremely valuable for theatres as they offer visibility even in dark. 

·         Additional Space:

Inadequate space can often result in accidents. There are various areas, where the space is not enough to step properly. Since, the additional materials are manufactured with an extended width, they offer proper placement of steps. Hence, this becomes an effective way to reduce accidents. 

Products of FRP pultrusions prove to be ideal for stair nosing. The many effective properties make them ideal for industrial usage. This is why engineers and constructors rely on FRP products. So, ensure safety at work place by installing this procedure.