With energy costs and the price of traditional building materials ever on the rise, it’s no wonder that engineers, architects and builders are making use of more efficient building materials in construction, like glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), more commonly referred to as fibreglass. Fibreglass usually comprises a thermoplastic material reinforced with glass fibres, and manufactured through a process known as pultrusion. The advantages of fibreglass include:
Strong and durable – stands up to environmental and climatic extremes
Low-maintenance and weather-resistant – particularly useful in corrosive environments, such as coastal areas, since it doesn’t rust or deteriorate
Flexible and versatile – it can be moulded in various sizes, shapes, colours and finishes
Lightweight and easy-to-install – perfect where weight presents a challenge
Allows for aesthetically-ambitious architecture – incorporating clean curves and shapes, like that featured in Durban’s iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium
It’s is even being used to revamp historic buildings in Europe and North America, and replicate period pieces such as ceiling moulds and building cornices – recently the balustrade on the rear façade of the White House in Washington, D.C., was refurbished using fibreglass instead of traditional masonry.
RHO-TECH designs, manufactures and installs structural fibreglass elements to your particular specifications. Some structural applications include:
Fibreglass I-beams
Fibreglass columns
Fibreglass arches
Fibreglass catwalks.
Decorative Fibreglass Elements
Fibreglass isn’t only for structural applications, though – it can also be used to craft ornamental fibreglass components of virtually any size or shape. RHO-TECH designs, moulds and manufacturers decorative fibreglass elements for the following applications:
Light fixtures and poles
Flower planters
Branded or themed fibreglass display units for retail or marketing purposes
A project of which we’re particularly proud – the fibreglass elements mimicking elephant tusks featured on the Umhlanga Pier (pictured above).
Have an industrial, architectural or cosmetic project in mind and wondering whether fibreglass is the material for the job? Give us a call and let’s explore the possibilities…
