What is FRP in Construction?

39% of carbon is emitted from construction and building resources. Likewise, 15 billion trees are cut down annually for construction purposes. Therefore, the world’s pollution level is increasing day by day.

Construction can’t stop due to the continuously increasing population in the Globe. But we can switch to sustainable construction materials to protect our environment and meet our building needs.

FRP stands on the top when it delves into this concept. A question arises here. What is FRP in construction? Including these, we will get the answers to many other questions in this blog post. Let’s start this journey together!

FRP Stands For:

FRP reflects the full form of Fiber Reinforced Polymer. As the name shows, the material is made of polymer matrix reinforced with fibers.

Fiber can be of different types including carbon, aramid, and glass. The mixture of these elements results in lightweight, concrete, and durable construction material that is also sustainable for the environment.

Types of FRP Used in Construction

There are three main types of FRO used in construction.

1. GLASS FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER (GFRP)

   GFRP is made of silica, limestone, sand, folic acid, and other elements in small amounts. The complete production process is given below:

   • First, manufacturers mix all the components and melt them at 1260 degrees Celsius.
   • Then, the molten form is put in platinum plates and passed through the fine holes.
   • After that, it is cooled, collected, and wound.
   • Ultimately, the fibers are interwound into different forms having the following properties:
     1. High electrical insulation
     2. Low susceptibility to moisture
     3. Integrated mechanical properties
     4. Heavier than aramid or carbon (the other types of FRP)

2. CARBON FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER (CFRP)

   Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers are good regarding modulus of elasticity. It ranges between 200 to 800 GPa for CFRP. The elongation ranges between 0.3% to 2.5% for this type of FRP. Furthermore, it has the following properties:

   • Various chemical solution-resistant
   • Excellent fatigue resistant
   • Water absorbent
   • Corrosion resistant

3. ARAMID FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER (AFRP)

   Aramid is used to describe aromatic polyamide. Its elasticity modulus ranges between 70 to 200 GPa. However, FRP can be elongated between 1.5 to 5%. The elongation property completely depends on the quality you choose according to your project nature. Other properties are given below:

   • High fracture energy
   • Sensitive to very high temperature
   • Sensitive to extended moisture
   • Higher customer satisfaction
   • Can’t cope with UV radiation
   • Limited applications in civil engineering

Properties of FRP

Low Weight & High Strength

Manufacturers use durable fibers and plastic to produce FRP. The elements make FRP solid and light in weight. According to research, it contains

• 1/10 P.S.C.
• ⅛ G.I.
• ⅕ steel

These factors decide the lightweightness of FRP used in construction. Due to its lightweight, it is easy to handle, alter, and modify according to the project requirements.

Zero Conductivity

FRPs are insulators except for carbon type. Therefore, they don’t need separate systems, such as HVAC, to maintain the building temperature. Similarly, you don’t even need to install cathodic security systems when using FRP in construction.

The significant benefit is you can induce conductivity into FRP if required. It is possible by using fillers with thermostat FRP. The same is the case when you focus on its magnetic properties. It can be induced by using magnetically active fillers.

Parts Consolidation

FRP can save time and cut down assembly expenses because of having parts consolidation property. In other words, it can efficiently replace fasteners and assembly of many parts.

Furthermore, the light FRP panel allows light to pass through due to its translucent property. Only rare construction materials have this property. So, the FRP panels not only give structure but also allow natural and artificial light to lighten up the space.

Lowe thermal conductivity panels are excellent for stopping the effects of harsh weather conditions. Moreover, they are best for arctic and tropical regions.

Corrosion Resistant

There is no need to worry about rusting and corrosion when using FRP. Unlike metals, it is highly corrosion-resistant. Therefore, professionals suggest coating building materials with FRP. It elongates the lifespan of the structure even in highly corrosive atmospheric conditions.

Surprisingly, it is also effective for the products submerged in salt & fresh water. Above all, there is no need to get worried about the durability and the maintenance cost since you have the most reliable option of a construction material.

Appearance Flexibility

Whether you want changes in color, texture, or shape, FRP is favorable for all when used in construction. You can do these alterations by adding pigments, durable metallic powder, and fine aggregates to FRP. It will eliminate the need to paint FRP, saving cost on paint.

Design Options

FRP is made of formable reinforcing fibers and liquid polymer resins. Therefore, you can modify the final product into any design, including

• Curved
• Ribbed
• Contoured
• Coordinates

Also, you can increase or decrease the stiffness of the product according to your needs.

Radar & Radio Transparency

There are Glass-fiber FRPs available in the market. They are highly transparent for radio and radar frequencies. Therefore, it is considered a good material for constructing decorative sunshades.

Zero Toxicity

FRP is a good material for making pipes that come in direct contact with drinkable water. It is due to its Zero Toxicity property. In simple words, you can use it in such places after properly understanding FRP meaning in construction.

Reproducible & Matchbale

Molding is ordinary in construction, particularly in the architectural world. FRP is suitable regarding reproducibility. It can efficiently reproduce identical products on molding.

It leaves no difference in shape, texture, and feature. Therefore, manufacturers use it for producing identical building ornaments and historical products.

You might also like this article: What is Grading in Construction?

The Role Of FRP in Construction

The use of FRP in construction has been increasing for the past few years. It is due to its unique properties and features for a construction project.

The material induces solidity and sustainability in building structures without affecting the environment. Similarly, FRP keeps structures standing for longer durations. Whether underground or aboveground, the solid material is best for all constructions.

How FRP Benefit Construction

FRP is used in many construction applications due to its unlimited benefits:

• Protects the product from corrosion and rustin
• Highly efficient regarding cost-effectiveness– an FRP structure can last for at least 75 years
• Can shift easily from one place to another with little effort due to lightweight
• Modifiable according to the desired construction parameters
• Easy handling installation in a building project
• Suitable for both new and old construction projects

Applications Of FRP in Construction

Now, see the answer to the question, “What is FRP used for in construction!”

• Strengthening concrete structures
• Rebuilding damaged structures
• Inducing seismic resistivity
• Constructing beams, bridge decks, and columns

How FRP Impacts the Environment?

Firstly, the material does not produce carbon, reducing the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

A longer lifespan means a rare chance of replacement or maintenance. It is best for environmental health. It eliminates the need for recycling or waste management. And if recycling is required, it is highly environment-friendly just like production.

Not only after use, but FRPs are also sustainable during production. Unlike other construction materials, they require less energy for manufacturing.

Furthermore, FRP is protean in applications and properties. Its products are multiple times more efficient than other environmental indicators. It reduces different hazardous factors by a significant percentage.

Factor	Reduced by
Human Toxicity	78%
Ozone Depletion	40%
Freshwater Eutrophication	85%
Climate Changing Gases Emission	38%
CO2 Emission	40%

So, FRP is a good friend of the environment as it never harms it and they always go flawlessly with each other.

Challenges You Can Experience With FRP

FRP building construction is getting famous day by day. But, there are still some gaps that need to be filled by researchers and manufacturers. These gaps are the challenges that you can experience with FRP in construction.

Low Elasticity Modulus

FRP’s elasticity modulus is 2x larger than wood and 10x smaller than steel. Therefore, it sometimes offers insufficient inflexibility according to project desires.

Long Term Temperature Resistivity

You can’t use FRP for high temperatures for more than a particular time since it is poor at it. General-purpose polyester’s efficiency and performance decrease when the temperature goes >50 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is only used under 100 degrees Celsius.

Similarly, general-purpose epoxy GRP shows 100% efficiency under 60 degrees Celsius.

You can add resins to use FRP for a temperature of 200-300 degrees Celsius.

Aging Process

Plastic working efficiency reduces with aging. Different factors (mentioned below) affect the performance of FRP with time:

• Chemicals
• UV radiations
• Sand
• Rain
• Snow
• Wind
• Mechanical Stress
• Chemical Media

LOW INTERLAMINAR SHEAR STRENGTH

Integration of resins supports the interlaminar shear strength. It is low in FRP due to a lack of resins. However, the attraction or bond between layers can be improved by using:

• Coupling agent
• Electing process

Remember, the product design layers should never shear in this process.

Limitations of FRP in Construction

Undoubtedly, FRP is a promising construction material that is making the future of the industry. However, some limitations shake the minds of users.

Cost

FRP seems expensive because you don’t consider its long-term benefits at first glance. It can be, but its long-term benefits actually save pocket.

Design

The construction material requires a custom approach for design modifications. It also demands high attention to avoid shearing in design layers.

Fire Resistivity

Fire resistance again depends on the concentration of resins. Unfortunately, they catch fire and are combustible. You can develop this property in FRP by adding suitable resins.

Tips to Use FRP In Construction

You must adopt some best practices to get 100% benefits from FRP during the construction project:

• Hire experienced contractors and engineers

• Implement suitable installation techniques

• Follow installation steps properly

• Monitor process attentively

• Follow FRP installation standards

FRP Vs Conventional Building Materials

FRP is 100% better than plastic, concrete, metal, wood, and other construction materials. All these conventional building materials have multiple disadvantages, but FRP overcomes them all efficiently.

For Example

• Wood can rot while FRP can’t.
• Steel is corrosive, while FRP isn’t
• FRP is more durable than steel.
• Aluminum is conductive, while FRP isn’t.

Future Trends of FRP in Construction

Technology is advancing FRP in construction. There are many more innovations on the way. Everything is getting advanced, including

• Manufacturing
• Designing
• Features
• Properties

Simply put, FRP is structuring the future of the construction industry. Get ready to welcome and adopt innovations and move with the flow of technology!

Final Words

FRP is the best construction material with different types available in the market. It is highly resistant to corrosion, rotting, and conductivity. Besides, the material is good in the sense of easy handling and installation. Furthermore, it seems costly, but actually a beneficial investment for longer benefits (75 years of lasting capacity).

There are some limitations in using FRP in construction, but researchers are working on them and will add more features to this material soon. So, shift to FRP from conventional construction materials for high sustainability and long-term benefits!

FAQs

How is FRP installed in construction projects?

Professionals install FRP in construction projects using handy tools such as circular saws and drills. They mechanically put all the corners and pieces together using 3/16 stainless steel bolts. It is the easiest method to install FRP.

What are the factors to consider when using FRP in construction?

You must consider the following factors when installing FRP in Construction

• Panel orientation
• Availability of tools
• Cleanliness of the wall
• Wall humidity
• Type of adhesive to be used
• Space management
• Uncover edges and holes

What are the limitations of using FRP in construction?

The following are the limitations of using FRP in construction:

• Cost
• Fire resistivity
• Design limitations

How does FRP compare to traditional construction materials like steel and concrete?

FRP is many times more efficient than steel and concrete.

• Steel is corrosive, while FRP is highly corrosion-resistantFRP is flexible and stronger than concrete

Likewise, FRP is better than all conventional construction materials.

Is FRP suitable for use in seismic regions?

Yes, FRP is suitable for use in seismic regions. It is so due to its following properties:

• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Lower mass addition
• Adds ductility to structures
• Good to integrate confinement
• Strengthen old structures

Is FRP environmentally friendly?

Yes, FRP is highly sustainable and has approximately ZERO impact on nature. It releases no greenhouse gasses and needs too little energy for production.

Is FRP expensive?

Yes, FRP is expensive. But it is good to eliminate other costs, such as maintenance and repairs.