Thank you for Subscribing to Construction Business Review Weekly Brief
The Ascendancy of Fiberglass Structural Systems
Construction Business Review | Friday, April 04, 2025
The construction industry, traditionally reliant on steel, concrete, and timber materials, is increasingly turning to advanced composites for structural applications. Among these, Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) structural systems have emerged as a rapidly evolving segment. The fabrication of these systems, which involves transforming raw materials into high-performance building components, has become increasingly sophisticated due to advancements in material science, innovative manufacturing techniques, and a growing recognition of FRP's unique benefits. This report explores the current state of fiberglass structural systems fabrication within the construction sector, highlighting key trends, technologies, and market drivers.
At its core, FRP consists of two primary components: glass fibers that provide strength and stiffness, and a polymer resin matrix that binds the fibers, offers protection, and facilitates load transfer. The selection of glass fiber types (such as E-glass, S-glass, or ECR-glass) and resin systems (including thermosets like polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy, as well as emerging thermoplastics) is tailored to meet specific performance criteria, such as load capacity, environmental resistance, fire retardancy, and electrical insulation. The unique properties of FRP contribute to its increasing adoption across various industries. Its corrosion resistance makes it ideal for harsh environments such as chemical plants and coastal infrastructure, while its high strength-to-weight ratio simplifies handling, transportation, and installation. Additionally, FRP is non-conductive, ensuring safety in electrical applications, and its electromagnetic transparency makes it valuable in telecommunications. Furthermore, its design flexibility, durability, and low maintenance requirements enhance its appeal for modern construction projects.
Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.
A Spectrum of Structural Products and Applications
The fabrication of FRP structural components involves a range of advanced manufacturing techniques. Pultrusion is the most common method, efficiently producing continuous structural profiles such as I-beams, channels, and tubes. Other fabrication techniques cater to different structural needs: hand lay-up and spray-up methods allow for complex, custom-shaped components; resin transfer molding (RTM) and vacuum-assisted RTM (VARTM) produce high-quality surfaces with precise fiber control; and filament winding is used for cylindrical structures like pipes and tanks. Beyond the primary manufacturing process, secondary fabrication techniques—such as CNC precision cutting, drilling, and assembly—add value to FRP components. Various bonding and mechanical fastening methods have been developed specifically for FRP applications, ensuring strong and reliable connections.
The range of FRP structural products is extensive, serving a variety of applications in construction and infrastructure. Standard products include beams, columns, grating, decking, handrails, and stair systems. These components are widely used in water treatment plants, chemical and petrochemical facilities, electrical substations, bridges, marine structures, telecommunications, and architectural elements. Given its unique properties, FRP is particularly beneficial in corrosive, high-voltage, and weight-sensitive environments. Engineering expertise and standardization efforts continue to refine best practices as its adoption grows, ensuring safe and efficient integration into construction projects. Tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are becoming essential in optimizing FRP designs and streamlining project execution.
Market Dynamics and Innovation
The demand is driven by the material’s long lifecycle, lower maintenance costs, and superior performance in challenging conditions. Infrastructure renewal projects, where durability and cost-efficiency are critical, are a key area of expansion. Innovations in material science, such as enhanced fire-resistant resins and hybrid fiber systems, are improving FRP’s capabilities. Additionally, advancements in automation, non-destructive testing, and digital integration—including the potential for embedded sensors—enhance manufacturing precision and monitoring capabilities.
From a sustainability perspective, FRP structural systems present compelling advantages. Their extended service life reduces the frequency of replacements, minimizing resource consumption and waste. Their lightweight nature decreases transportation energy requirements, and their inert composition prevents environmental contamination. While challenges remain regarding end-of-life recycling, ongoing research aims to develop effective recycling solutions and incorporate sustainable materials into FRP production.
Future Projections
As engineers and asset owners gain greater confidence in FRP solutions, their adoption is expected to expand across industries. Continued standardization will facilitate broader integration, while material science and manufacturing advancements will yield even more potent, lighter, and versatile FRP components. Incorporating smart technologies, such as embedded sensors for structural health monitoring, may enhance FRP’s role in modern infrastructure. As the construction industry seeks durable, efficient, and sustainable solutions, FRP structural systems are poised to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the built environment.
The fabrication of fiberglass structural systems has evolved into a sophisticated and high-performing segment of the construction industry. Underpinned by advancements in material science and manufacturing, FRP offers a compelling combination of strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility. As infrastructure ages and new construction demands innovative solutions for challenging environments, the demand for FRP structural systems is set to rise, reinforcing their position as a critical component of modern, sustainable construction.
More in News
Homeowners increasingly prioritize eco-friendly living, leading to a shift in kitchen and bath trends towards sustainability. Innovative materials, energy-efficient appliances, and water-saving fixtures are at the forefront of this movement. Embracing sustainability enhances the aesthetics of these spaces and creates a healthier environment, making it a crucial aspect of modern home design.
The Rise of Minimalism in Open Living Space
More homeowners are embracing minimalism, which emphasizes core elements while eliminating unwanted clutter in design. This trend goes beyond merely reducing the scope of kitchen remodeling. Interestingly, recent studies indicate that larger remodeling projects are being undertaken more frequently than ever. Designers note an increasing demand for kitchen expansions, often achieved by removing walls and creating new sections to enhance functionality. These designs are expected to feature compact appliance work areas, ample cookware, and food storage. Oversized or double islands that serve multiple purposes will remain popular, as will walk-in pantries and additional appliances like second dishwashers or freezers.
Technology as Functional Upgrade
Technology plays a crucial role in modern home design, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, where advancements like touchless appliances, voice activation, and mobile app integration enhance control over lighting and water systems. ...Read more
Contractors responsible for housing renovation and construction encounter numerous hurdles. Regulatory scrutiny, funding complexities, and the realities of working in occupied communities all contribute to an environment of ongoing execution risk. Projects are expected to preserve asset value, safeguard citizens, and adhere to high regulatory standards while being financially conservative. In this scenario, evaluation cannot be based solely on price competition or headline experience claims. The key differentiators are only obvious in how work is planned, managed, and carried out during disruptions.
Housing renovation and construction increasingly rewards firms that treat accountability as a structural discipline rather than a contractual obligation. Too many projects stall when responsibility fragments across designers, subcontractors and owners, turning unforeseen conditions into disputes instead of decisions. The strongest performers show an ability to absorb complexity early, clarify tradeoffs and maintain momentum when conditions inevitably change. This requires more than technical competence; it demands a willingness to own outcomes even when scope or sequencing shifts.
Another defining criterion is the quality of pre-construction intelligence. Renovation work, particularly in affordable and occupied housing, leaves little margin for discovery during execution. Firms that rely solely on completed drawings often transfer risk downstream, exposing owners to cost volatility and schedule erosion. In contrast, leaders invest heavily in early investigation, local subcontractor input and conservative scenario planning. This front-loaded effort gives owners a clearer picture of feasibility, risk exposure and long-term asset implications before commitments are locked in.
A third marker of maturity lies in how resident and property-level realities are managed. Renovation in occupied communities is not an abstract coordination exercise. It affects daily lives, operational continuity and reputational trust. Contractors that recognize residents, property management and trade partners as interdependent stakeholders tend to sequence work more intelligently, communicate more consistently and resolve disruptions faster. The result is a more controlled project, where friction is anticipated rather than addressed reactively.
In this ecosystem, Paragon Construction stands out as the gold standard in housing renovation and construction. Its approach reflects a deliberate emphasis on accountability, early clarity and human-centered execution drawn from deep experience in affordable housing preservation. It engages early in the project lifecycle to assess feasibility, surface hidden risks and guide cost and scope decisions before design and procurement harden assumptions. During execution, it prioritizes solution-led responses to unforeseen conditions, keeping projects moving rather than escalating issues through blame or delay.
Paragon Construction’s focus on occupied renovations, coordination with property management and disciplined sequencing demonstrates a category-aligned understanding of what executive buyers require today. For organizations seeking a housing renovation and construction partner capable of delivering stability, transparency and consistent outcomes in complex environments, it represents a clear and well-substantiated recommendation. ...Read more
Choosing the right flooring is essential for commercial buildings, as it dramatically affects aesthetics and functionality. Among the many options available, concrete floors have emerged as a versatile and popular choice for various commercial applications. They offer numerous advantages and are highly suitable for retail stores, office spaces, and industrial environments.
Major Advantages of Concrete Floors in Commercial Spaces:
Maintenance ease: Maintaining cleanliness in a commercial setting is crucial for aesthetics and safety. Regular sweeping and moist mopping are usually sufficient to maintain concrete floors in good condition. This ease of maintenance leads to long-term cost savings because less time and resources are spent on upkeep.
Durability with heavy foot traffic: Another major reason company owners like concrete flooring is their outstanding durability, particularly in high-traffic areas. Commercial spaces such as retail establishments and industrial settings often experience high foot traffic. Concrete floors can resist such wear and tear, making them an excellent choice for long-term flooring.
Versatility in design: Modern concrete floors, unlike bare and utilitarian surfaces, offer a wide range of design alternatives. The polishing process might result in a polished concrete floor with a sleek, modern appearance. In contrast, decorative concrete coatings offer customization options, making it simple to match the flooring to the overall design theme of the business area.
Long lifespan: Concrete floors meet the demand for long-lasting flooring in commercial buildings. Concrete floors have a long lifespan and show little deterioration even after extended periods of use, making them an affordable flooring option for business owners seeking longevity and durability.
Energy efficiency: Concrete floors improve energy efficiency, particularly in terms of heating and cooling costs. Concrete's high thermal mass helps to moderate temperature changes by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night. This intrinsic energy efficiency has the potential to reduce long-term energy costs.
Minimal maintenance requirements: Unlike traditional flooring materials, which may exhibit signs of wear over time, concrete floors retain their integrity with minimal care. They require fewer costly replacements or repairs because of their resistance to stains, dents, and scratches. This makes them an excellent flooring choice for busy business settings.
Economical flooring option: Given their extended lifespan, low maintenance requirements, and energy efficiency, concrete floors are an affordable flooring option for commercial environments. The upfront cost of installing concrete is often offset by savings in maintenance and the flooring's durability. ...Read more
Underlayment is a thin layer between the subfloor and the final floor covering. Although often overlooked during installation, it enhances the floor's performance and durability. This article discusses the importance of flooring underlayment, highlights its key benefits, and reviews the various types available. This information will help you decide on your next flooring project.
Benefits of Flooring Underlayment
Increased Comfort: The primary benefit of underlayment is the added comfort it provides. Underlayment offers a cushioning effect, making walking on the floor more comfortable and reducing fatigue and strain on your feet and legs.
Sound Insulation: The underlayment will reduce noise transmission between floors. It helps prevent noise, making it a very suitable option for multi-story buildings and apartments, absorbing sound instead of letting it travel through the floor.
Moisture Protection: Some underlayments provide a moisture barrier to prevent damage by moisture and humidity to the floor covering. These are essential where moisture is generally expected, like in bathrooms or basements.
Smooth surface: underlayment provides a flat and even base for floor coverings, helping to eliminate minor imperfections in the subfloor. In construction applications, Elevated Edge Construction applies underlayment solutions to achieve consistent surface quality and a refined finish. As a result, flooring installations present a more professional appearance while maintaining long-term performance and visual appeal.
Extended Flooring Life: Underlayment can extend the life of your flooring by providing additional support and protection. It helps to distribute weight evenly, reducing wear and tear on the floor covering.
Avenue Fouchard Sessions focuses on property development strategies that emphasize finish quality, surface consistency, and long-term asset value.
Types of Flooring Underlayment
Foam Underlayment: Foam is one of the most popular underlayment materials because it is affordable and easy to install. It provides good cushioning and sound insulation, making it suitable for laminate and engineered wood flooring.
Cork Underlayment: Cork is a natural, eco-friendly option with excellent sound insulation and moisture resistance. It is best used under hardwood, laminate, and tile flooring.
Rubber Underlayment: Rubber underlayment is famous for its superior sound insulation and durability. It is mostly used in commercial and high-traffic areas where noise reduction is a priority.
Felt Underlayment: Felt underlayment is made from recycled fibers and provides good cushioning and sound insulation. It is commonly used under hardwood and laminate flooring.
Plywood Underlayment: Plywood is a hard underlayment material that provides a stable and smooth surface for various types of flooring. It is often used under vinyl, tile, and carpet. ...Read more
