Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composites

Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GRP) materials fall into the class of polymer-matrix composites. GRP, which can be used for any purpose, is a lightweight, long-lasting, durable structural composite material. It can be available in different colors (semi-transparent–opaque–colored), flat or shaped, thick or thin. GRP can be defined in principle as a composite reinforced with glass fiber and combined with resin. In addition to the use of these two main material groups in GRP composites, when factors such as application area and cost-effectiveness come to the fore, other material groups are also included in this composite structure. GRP composites today find application in different sectors such as space and aviation industries, medical, automotive industries, and infrastructure applications. In summary, it is possible to encounter GRP composites in every area of life.

GRP Pipes

Looking at the current situation, it is easy to see that the world's infrastructure is aging day by day and millions of kilometers of pipeline are in need of rehabilitation. This is one of the priority issues that needs to be addressed globally. Investment institutions serving humanity worldwide must make the right decisions on how to implement infrastructure and what type of material to use in order not to face problems that have occurred in the past. The most important factor that makes correct decision-making necessary is the serious problems experienced in infrastructure investments related to corrosion occurring in pipelines. Unprotected concrete wastewater pipes in inland areas, hydrogen sulfide cycles occurring in sewage systems and the resulting sulfuric acid are rapidly deteriorating them. As an external factor, soil conditions and stray electrical currents cause deterioration of pipes laid underground. Metal-based pipes can suffer corrosion due to poor ventilation and drainage in laying conditions. While such problems cannot be completely eliminated, they can be reduced. Measures taken with corrosion-inhibiting additive systems or protection systems cause the costs of pipelines to increase. Corrosion is an irreversible process. A simple and correct way to completely solve this problem is GRP Pipe.

Biaxial Pipes

The raw materials, production techniques and properties of above-ground pipe applications differ from underground pipes. Above-ground pipes are designed for strength in both the circumferential and axial directions.

For this reason, they are much more robust pipes than underground pipes. Above-ground pipes can also be joined with alternative connection methods such as combination couplings, tensioning couplings or hand lay methods. Trenchless System Applications (Pipe Jacking, Rehabilitation)

In large metropolises, in areas where traffic and human activity are heavy, laying pipelines through excavation causes very large social and economic losses. At the same time, closing off traffic on busy roads creates major problems. In this case, the preferred applications are those based on trenchless systems. Rehabilitation of existing pipelines in their current condition also falls within the scope of trenchless system applications. The technical properties and wall thicknesses of pipes used for these applications differ. They are produced as project-specific solutions.

GRP Pipe Applications

The reduction of operating costs and the increasing awareness of superior corrosion resistance have led to GRP pipes, which make the strongest emphasis on this subject, finding widespread application worldwide. GRP pipes are used in the following applications: • Water transmission and distribution lines (drinking water and raw water), • Urban wastewater collection and sewage systems, • Rainwater drainage systems, • Hydroelectric power plant distribution lines, • Hydropower project lines, • Seawater intake lines, • Cooling water lines, • Circulation, filling and discharge lines in power plants, • Irrigation systems, • Fire suppression lines, • Industrial applications, • Water storage systems and tanks, • Pumping systems, • Chemical and petrochemical industries, • Rehabilitation projects, • Trenchless system applications (Pipe Jacking). Akif Torlak - Quality Manager / Grandpipe Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.