GRP Frangible Mesh Fencing
ICAO Annex 14 compliant, SGS-witnessed tested, and fully radio-transparent – purpose-engineered for airport perimeter security.
The Engineered Composites GRP Frangible Mesh Fencing system is a complete perimeter security solution designed specifically for airside applications. Comprising high-performance GRP mesh, matching GRP columns, and proprietary connecting hardware, the system delivers mechanical performance comparable to steel mesh while remaining fully radio-transparent across all aviation frequency bands. Unlike steel, it will not reflect radar signals, interfere with ILS systems, or require charting as an obstacle.
What Makes This System Frangible
ICAO Annex 14 and Part 6 of the Airport Design Manual require that any structure within 60 metres of the runway centreline must be frangible. For structures taller than 1.2 metres, frangibility must be verified by full-scale dynamic impact testing. The Engineered Composites system has been subjected to SGS-witnessed drop-weight testing using 30 kg and 55 kg impactors dropped from heights of 0.5 m to 2.0 m. The system was qualified across the full ICAO test matrix, confirming that on impact it fractures cleanly, exerts less than 45 kN on a colliding aircraft, and absorbs less than 55 kJ of energy – meeting both ICAO threshold values in full.
- SGS-witnessed dynamic impact testing - ICAO qualified
- Less than 45 kN force and less than 55 kJ energy at failure
- Fracture failure mode with no secondary hazard to aircraft
Key Features & Benefits
≤ 0.5 dB
Radio signal attenuation across 100 MHz to 1 GHz - invisible to all aviation surveillance and navigation systems.
ICAO Qualified
Full compliance with ICAO Annex 14 and Airport Design Manual Part 6 - SGS-witnessed testing.
< 45 kN
Maximum impact force on colliding aircraft - meets ICAO frangibility threshold.
Zero Maintenance
No painting, no galvanising, no repainting cycle - inherently corrosion-free for 50+ year service life.
No Crane Required
Lightweight GRP components - two-person installation, no specialist lifting equipment needed.
JOSCAR Accredited
Defence and aerospace supply chain accreditation - ISO 9001:2015 quality management certified.
Radio Transparency Tested and Verified
Steel fencing near radar and navigation aid equipment creates false radar returns, causes ILS beam deviation, and must be charted as an obstacle. GRP eliminates all of these problems by being electromagnetically transparent. The Engineered Composites system was tested to IEEE Std 299 and GB/T12190-2021 in a semi-anechoic chamber at Southeast University, Nanjing, with SGS present throughout as independent witnesses. Across the full 100 MHz to 1 GHz aviation frequency test range, the system recorded a maximum signal attenuation of just 0.5 dB. No RF modelling is required. No radar-absorbing treatment is needed. The system can be installed adjacent to ILS critical areas, ASR clear zones, VOR protection areas, and DME sites without interference.
- Tested to IEEE Std 299 and GB/T12190-2021
- SGS-witnessed in semi-anechoic chamber
- Suitable for ILS, ASR, VOR, and DME protection zones
Technical Specifications
All figures independently verified by Commercial Standard Testing Lab, Burton on 29th January 2026.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rebar diameter | 3.3 mm (standard) |
| Mesh aperture | 33 x 33 mm |
| Standard height | 2 m (range: 1 m to 2.5 m) |
| Maximum sheet width | 2.2 m |
| Available lengths | 3 m, 6 m, 9 m |
| Column profile | Round tube Ø50×5 or square tube 50×50 SHS |
| Column height | 1 m to 3 m (customisable) |
| Standard post spacing | 2,000 mm centres |
| UTS — Standard grade (UPR) | ≥ 800 MPa |
| UTS — Enhanced grade (VE) | ≥ 900 MPa |
| UTS — Premium grade (PU) | ≥ 1,000 MPa |
| Modulus of elasticity | 40–50 GPa (grade dependent) |
| Radio attenuation | ≤ 0.5 dB (100 MHz to 1 GHz) |
| ICAO impact force limit | < 45 kN — QUALIFIED |
| ICAO energy limit | < 55 kJ — QUALIFIED |
Simple Installation. No Specialist Equipment.
No Crane Required
Lightweight GRP components throughout. Two-person installation. Standard anchor fixings to concrete foundation.
Tool-Light Assembly
Cable ties, crimp tubes, and hydraulic pliers only. No welding, no hot works, no specialist trades.
Wildlife Exclusion Ready
Lower mesh section can be buried to meet Aviation Authority small wildlife intrusion guidance. No additional treatment.
Compliance and Testing
| Standard / Accreditation | Scope | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ICAO Annex 14 | Frangibility requirements for airfield obstacles | QUALIFIED |
| ICAO Airport Design Manual Part 6 | Dynamic impact test: < 45 kN force, < 55 kJ energy | QUALIFIED |
| IEEE Std 299 / GB/T12190-2021 | Radio transparency across 100 MHz to 1 GHz aviation bands | PASS — ≤ 0.5 dB |
| ISO 9001:2015 | Quality management system | CERTIFIED |
| JOSCAR | Defence and aerospace supply chain accreditation | ACCREDITED |
Where It Is Used
Designed for airports and airfields. Equally suited to defence installations, radar sites, and any perimeter application where radio transparency and corrosion resistance are essential.
Runway perimeters (within ICAO frangibility zone)
ILS, VOR, and DME protection zones
Airport Surveillance Radar clear zones
General airside boundary fencing
Taxiway and apron perimeters
Military airfields and defence installations
Radar and communications site perimeters
Coastal and offshore facilities
Any perimeter requiring EM transparency
Sites with high corrosion or chemical exposure
Speak to Our GRP Fencing Specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
Construction GRP Products are used in commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects where durability and corrosion resistance are essential. GRP in construction is commonly specified for handrails, walkways, decking, flooring, rebar, scaffold tubes, and structural profiles. These products provide a lightweight and low-maintenance alternative to steel and timber, particularly in environments exposed to moisture, chemicals, or coastal conditions.
GRP is used in construction instead of steel because it does not corrode, rust, or require protective coatings. In GRP construction projects, this significantly reduces long-term maintenance costs and extends service life. GRP construction materials are also lighter than steel, easier to install, and electrically non-conductive, making them safer for use in rail, industrial, and infrastructure environments.
Yes, GRP is strong enough for many structural construction applications. Construction GRP Products offer high tensile strength and excellent strength-to-weight performance. While lighter than steel, GRP construction systems are engineered to handle load-bearing requirements in walkways, platforms, reinforcements, and safety structures. Proper specification ensures GRP in construction meets required UK standards and project demands.
GRP construction materials are designed for long service life, often exceeding 20 years when correctly installed and maintained. Unlike traditional materials, GRP in construction does not deteriorate due to corrosion, rot, or moisture exposure. This makes Construction GRP Products particularly suitable for coastal, industrial, and high-moisture environments where long-term performance is critical.
GRP is most commonly used in construction projects involving infrastructure, water treatment facilities, rail systems, commercial developments, and industrial plants. Construction GRP Products are frequently specified for access platforms, safety barriers, flooring systems, and reinforced concrete structures. The growing demand for GRP in construction reflects the industry’s need for durable, low-maintenance materials that reduce lifecycle costs.