Fibreglass Structural Profiles as an Alternative for Steel

Composites are made of a minimum of two types of component materials, and enhance the properties of the constituent materials. Therefore, the combination of fibre and glass yields a product that is stronger and rigid. Fibreglass constitutes a major part of the composites utilised in industry. Since a composite is an amalgamation of materials, it can be made into an exact shape for a particular purpose. What about strength? In fibreglass goods, the resin transmits the shear while the glass fibres endure the tensile and compressive weight. Fibreglass is around three times stronger than steel, pound for pound. Fibreglass is easier to install as it needs less heavy equipment. Structural fibreglass usually weighs just a fourth of a similar steel structure. Its cost is less than half that of stainless steel. What about corrosion? Fibreglass also scores higher than steel when it comes to withstanding corrosion as it never rusts. It can withstand corrosive chemicals and water better. Steel pieces have to be welded together, resulting in creation of seams that may rust over a period of time. Fibreglass can also resist fire better. Are there any designing benefits? There are not many designing hurdles as far as fibreglass is concerned. Fibreglass is lighter in weight, stronger, tougher and can be moulded more easily than steel. Also fibreglass is not a conductor of electricity. It also allows transmission of radio waves. This is the reason fibreglass covers are ideal for electronics. Fibreglass is also a good absorber of sound waves. It is ideal for sound reduction. What about effect of force and temperature? Steel expands or contracts with temperature unlike fibreglass. Fibreglass has an extremely low thermal conductivity. It changes shape and size very little with temperature variations unlike steel. Fibreglass resists dents and dings better compared to steel. What are the other benefits? Fibreglass needs less maintenance. Steel will rust and wear away if it is not galvanised or painted. Fibreglass structures can be dismantled and shifted from one place to another more easily. Steel structures which are welded cannot be disassembled easily. The structural shape of fibreglass has a high strength-to-weight ratio. It distributes load and prevents damage to the surface, even when it is very cold, and is not distorted permanently by an impact. Fibreglass production uses less electricity and emits smaller amount of greenhouse gases. Hence, its carbon footprint is small. As it does not corrode and deteriorate, it can be recycled. Fibreglass structures have a longer life than steel. Sometimes, its initial cost may be more but will prove cheaper than steel for the structure’s life. Fibreglass reinforced plastics are today the alternative to steel in environs that are corrosive, wet or acidic. It is manufactured in profiles similar to that available in steel, but can be fabricated like wood by utilising drills, saws and simple fabrication tools. Fibreglass products are best when it comes to retro-fitting, replacing, or even building new platforms, ramps, handrails, ladders, walkways, grating, and structural frames.