Fiber reinforced plastics in plant/facilities projects

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Plant Engineering (Chicago)

OSTI ID:460596

Stradley, R ^[1]

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1. Vetrotex CertainTeed Corp., Wichita Falls, TX (United States)

Fiber glass reinforced plastic (FRP) composites are exactly what their name implies--composite materials comprising a plastic resin matrix strengthened with embedded glass fibers. Regardless of the particular resin used as the base material, all share the common characteristics of corrosion resistance, durability, high strength, and light weight. FRP is generally one-fourth the weight of steel and two-thirds that of aluminum, but can be designed to support more weight than either. FRPs can be custom-formulated to user specifications to yield superior heat resistance, fire retardance, flexibility, or corrosion resistance; and molding and processing technology permits them to be produced in virtually any shape. The paper discusses the use of these materials as building structural components; piping, fittings, and supports; wall and roof panels; and walls, ceilings, and cladding.

• OSTI ID: 460596
• Journal Information: Plant Engineering (Chicago), Journal Name: Plant Engineering (Chicago) Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 51; ISSN PLENAV; ISSN 0032-082X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
BUILDING MATERIALS
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
COST
FIBERGLASS
REINFORCED PLASTICS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
USES