We believe that composites offer many advantages over traditional materials – so much so that we built a business around it. One of those traditional materials is concrete. Don’t just take our word for it though, let’s take a look at how concrete compares to GRP across various measures, and the suitability of each for different projects.
Ideal for heavy-duty applications such as foundations, bridges and roads, concrete can withstand heavy loads. It is strong in compression but weaker in tension unless reinforced. GRP on the other hand is strong in both tension and compression relative to its weight.
Concrete is resistant to weathering, but susceptible to cracking and requires proper maintenance to avoid water ingress. GRP however is corrosion-resistant and does not degrade in most chemical environments, which is why it’s so useful for marine environments.
GRP is extremely lightweight compared to concrete, which is notoriously heavy. This makes transporting, handling and installing GRP much easier and quicker, saving you both time and money on your project. This makes it particularly suitable for rail platforms, where it’s essential to keep possession times as low as possible.
Our patented d² range of GRP grating is up to 33% lighter still than other GRP on the market.
This also makes GRP ideal for installation in hard to reach places, for a variety of applications in the oil and gas industry, renewable energy and nuclear power sectors.
Concrete is generally cheaper upfront than GRP, but due to the labour-intensive installation we’ve just mentioned, GRP is just as cost-effective.
Lifespan
Both concrete and GRP have a long lifespan, as long as concrete is maintained properly and a good quality of GRP is selected.
It’s important to consider the cumulative total carbon emissions that arise from all stages in the lifecycle of an asset or infrastructure, from the energy needed to extract, transport, and process raw materials, to the manufacturing itself.
Concrete has a high carbon footprint due to cement production, whereas GRP has a much lower impact on the environment, thanks in part to its impressive strength-to-weight ratio and extended lifecycle.
When comparing concrete and GRP, it’s important to consider the context of their usage, but if you need a sustainable, durable option that’s easy to install and corrosion-resistant, then GRP is a great choice.
Want to learn how GRP shapes up against steel? Check out our comparison here.
