Structural Engineering

Fiber Glass Systems engineers produce structural calculations to determine the effects of loads on physical structures. This process determines the suitability of material performance to required specifications and relevant design codes. Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) is an anisotropic material that requires specialist experience in evaluating the suitability and capability of structures. Our engineers are experts in this field and have diverse and extensive experience in structural engineering across many industries, including transport, offshore, subsea, water and wastewater, and oil & gas.

We design and engineer structures to withstand stresses and pressures imposed through environmental conditions and human use, ensuring the structure does not deflect, rotate, vibrate excessively or collapse, and that they remain stable and secure throughout their use in accordance with the agreed design standard i.e. Eurocodes, ISO’s, DNV, ASME etc.

Our structural engineers will be responsible for selecting appropriate materials and finishes to meet design specifications and will often be involved in inspecting the work, quality assurance and advising our clients throughout the project.

Our project portfolio includes; FRP bridges, walkways, and stairs for railways, bridge enclosures for roads and walkways, FRP access platforms and phenolic handrails for offshore and FRP Subsea Structures.

We can also provide design verification including CAT III for Railway and Highways applications.

Case history example:

Project: Crane Access Phenolic Walkways – Design Phase
Market Sector: Power & Renewable
Scope of Project: Fiber Glass Systems designed the first ever fully phenolic walkway system in the UK.
The bespoke FRP phenolic crane access walkways were fabricated in sections and assembled on site in summer 2013.

All materials were supplied in accordance with BS EN ISO 14122.

• Phase 1: Concept and detailed design of FRP phenolic walkways, handrails and ladders in conjunction with the client specifications
• Phase 2: Selection and design of FRP phenolic profiles and materials in conjunction with Services
• Phase 3: Structural testing and fire testing of materials in conjunction with the client

Research & Development

We carried out research and development for the following:

• Mechanical testing of FRP profiles and structures
• Fire testing for both offshore and rail
• FRP salt mist testing with regards to material ageing offshore
• FRP material ageing after prolonged subsea exposure