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GRP is a very high strength composite material made from plastic reinforced by fine fibres / strands of glass (the material is commonly known as fibreglass).
Please click on the images below to see examples of GRP column casings which will give a flavour of what can be achieved. Alternatively please view our project gallery which showcases all column types.
Column casings are manufactured by spraying plastic resin and chopped strand glass fibres into a specially prepared moulds to create custom architectural pieces.
The plastics commonly used in construction grade columns are polyester or vinyl-ester. The glass fibres are mostly in the form of chopped strands although glass fibre mat or woven fabrics can also be used. Other chemicals and compounds which may be added to the plastic resin mix include catalysts, plasticizer, colouring agents, texturing agents and fire retardants.
As with many other composite materials (such as reinforced concrete), the two materials act together, each overcoming the deficits of the other. Whereas the plastic is strong in compressive loading and relatively weak in tensile strength, the glass fibres are very strong in tension but have low strength against compression. By combining the two materials together, GRP becomes a material that resists well both compressive and tensile forces. The material may be used uniformly or specifically placed in those portions of the structure that will experience tensile loads.
Key Advantages;
* Design flexibility - The material can be moulded into virtually any shape;
* High strength impact resistant;
* Vast range of RAL colours and textures available;
* Ideal for internal and external use (material is water proof);
* Fire retardant chemicals can be incorporated into the material;
* Speed of installation;
* Pre-finished - no wet trades required;
* Can be cost effective when manufactured in volume.
Key Disadvantages;
* Speed of manufacture for bespoke pieces (bespoke tooling requirements)
* Cost of fire retardant additives if required;
* Cost of tooling significant for low volume manufacture.
Please contact the office for more detailed technical specifications or design assistance with any bespoke column casing requirements. |
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