Fibre Reinforced Plastic

Fibre Reinforced PlasticWhat is FRP ?Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP or GRP Glass reinforced plastic) (also fibre-reinforced polymer) is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres. The fibres are usually glass, carbon, or aramid, although other fibres such as paper or wood or asbestos have been sometimes used. The polymer is usually an epoxy, vinylester or polyester thermosetting plastic, and phenol formaldehyde resins are still in use. FRPs are commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction industries.In FRP , the glass fibres provide stiffness and strength wile resin provides matrix to transfer load to the fibres

Applications of FRP in building industryConcrete shutteringDomesDoors and Window framesInternal partitions Wall panelingRoof SheetsStructural SectionsTemporary sheltersWater storage tanksPropertiesAesthetic appealCorrosion resistantDimensional stabilityDurability , Light transmission & light weightEasy to repair, energy savingMaintenance

FRP Wall PanelsINTERIORSWall panels Corrosion ResistanceHigh StrengthEasy InstallationLong Lasting LifeCustom Panel SizeLight WeightNon-Fire Retardant and Fire RetardantU.V. Resistant Property

Applications :Chemical Plant & RefineriesPower PlantsSwimming PoolsElectroplating PlatformTrench CoverMarine IndustriesBattery Rackes

Installation methods

Adhesive is applied on panel Cross hatch pattern is employed

ADHESIVE

Nylon drive rivets, or corrosion resistant screws are appropriate fastener options. If rivets or fasteners are used, panels should be predrilled using a drill bit that is 1/8" to 1/4" larger than the fastener. During installation, holes only slightly larger than the fastener should be drilled into the substrate through the predrilled holes in the panel and prior to any adhesive application.Apply silicone sealant prior to inserting rivets or fasteners.The recommended fastening frequency is 16" on center both horizontally and vertically. FASTENERSAll frp panels have expansion characteristics due to changes in humidity and temperature It must be accounted for during installation with proper spacing around panel edges and around fixtures attached to the panel/wall. Adequate space must be allowed for panel expansion and contraction. For a 4' x 8' panel, a minimum gap of 1/4" is required at the top and bottom of each panel and 1/8 between panels More room will be required for longer panels. It is recommended that panels do not exceed 48" in width and 12' in length to aid in ease of installationSPACING

Pre-fit each panel before fastening and/or adhering in place.All cutting and drilling should be done prior to the application of adhesive.Rivet holes should be predrilled in the panels using a bit that is 1/8"-1/4" larger than the rivet. Plan ahead so that fasteners will not interfere with moldings or other wall fixtures.Preplan for cove or base molding. Frp panels should be installed so that the base molding will not restrict normal panel movement during expansion and contraction. Cut panels 1/4" short of where the base molding will extend; poured molding should be in place prior to installation.STEP 1 - PLANNING AND CUTTINGBegin installation in a corner. Mark a plumb line 48-1/8 from the corner. In areas where several courses of panels are used (e.g., on a high wall), use vertical and horizontal lines to assure alignment.Install one piece of corner molding. Apply silicone sealant in molding groove.If using rivets - drill holes into the substrate through the predrilled holes in panel.If using adhesive - apply adhesive to panel using adhesive manufacturers recommended trowel height to ensure good adhesion.If using adhesive for installation, roll panel with a laminate roller, beginning at the top corner nearest the molding and rolling down and out towards the edge away from the molding, making certain to remove all trapped air.

STEP 2 - ATTACHING TO WALL

This will aid in removing air pockets and will help to ensure a flat, fully adhered installation.Install fasteners as each panel is put into place and before the next division bar or molding strip is applied. Start fastening at top edge with installed molding and work toward the other side. Continue installing fasteners one row at a time until fastening is complete. Apply silicone sealant beneath rivet or fastener.Install one-piece division bar and caps or next molding piece by laying down a bead of silicone in molding groove and sliding completely onto the panel. Withdraw the molding or division bar 1/8" to provide proper Spacing.The free edge of the molding or division bar may be tacked in place if preferred before installing the next panel. Repeat the process, working in one direction around the room.If fasteners are not used, a few nails may be used at the top (above the ceiling grid line) to help hold panels in place while the adhesive cures.

Once the adhesive has cured, however, these nails must be removed, as they do not allow for normal panel expansion and contraction.Always put silicone sealant in all molding and around all panel edges, fasteners, and fixtures to provide a moisture-proof installation.

STEP 3 - PANEL INSTALLATION FINISHINGSilicone sealant should be applied in all molding and around all panel edges, fasteners, and fixtures to provide a moisture-proof installation.Adhesive residue should be removed immediately.Latex-based adhesive can be removed with soap and water.Solvent-based adhesive may be removed with mineral spirits.

FRP Pedestrian Bridge,LleidaCASE STUDYFRP Pedestrian Bridgein Lleida (Spain) Longestarch bridgemade out standard GFRP pultruded profiles.Tied arch bridgeLength 38 mWidth 6 mdeck width 3 mHeight 6.2 mBuilt in only three months. Completed in October 2001.Spans across the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed rail link The total cost of the structure was approximately $0.32million ($2350 per m2).Won the international Footbridge Award 2005 in the category Technology for medium span (30m-75m) bridges..The arch configuration was chosen so as to minimize serviceability problems due to the low modulus of elasticity of GFRP profiles

The bridge makes use of new technology to solve a number of specific problems. As the bridge would cross a major rail link, minimising disruption to services was a key priority for the Spanish railway authorities. Accordingly, the bridge was assembled at the line side and then craned into place, resulting in a railway possession time of only three hours for the complete erection.GRP does not conduct electricity, which is also very important as it means there is no magnetic interference with the electrified railway

The glass fibre reinforced plastic beams and panels used in the footbridge were manufactured in Denmark and assembled in SpainA major challenge in the project was the construction of the two arches, which each lean approximately 10 degrees inward. The bridge therefore has no simple perpendicular components but is composed of short straight sections.

Advantages:Electrical insulationEasy handling and quick installationWeather and corrosion resistanceLow weight combined with great strengthMinimal maintenance