Meeting Urban Safety Standards: How GRP Handrails Enhanced a Busy Walkway
Urban environments come with their own set of challenges when it comes to infrastructure, especially in high-traffic areas where public safety, durability, and aesthetic design all need to be delivered on a tight schedule and budget. A leading infrastructure construction company faced just that while building a pedestrian walkway in a busy city centre.
To overcome these obstacles, they turned to Engineered Composites’ GRP modular handrail system, a solution that delivered long-term performance with fast, compliant installation.
The Challenge: Safety Compliance, Weather Resistance & Tight Timelines
- Safety Compliance: The handrail system needed to meet strict public infrastructure regulations.
- Durability: Constant exposure to the elements, corrosion, and physical wear required materials that could last without constant maintenance.
- Efficient Delivery: Labour costs and deadline pressures meant installation had to be rapid and cost-effective.
The GRP Handrail Solution
Engineered Composites supplied a modular GRP handrail system tailored to the layout and specification of the walkway. Each section was delivered ready for fast assembly and built to perform over the long haul.
Key features:
- Lightweight & Strong: GRP is up to 50% lighter than steel, reducing structural loading and easing handling.
- Corrosion-Resistant: Excellent durability in wet, salty, or polluted environments.
- Non-Conductive: Safe for installation near electrical infrastructure.
- UV-Stable Finish: Colourfast in harsh sunlight with minimal fade.
- Modular Assembly: Pre-engineered mechanical fittings simplified and sped up installation.
Designed to Fit, Built to Last
Each GRP handrail system was configured to fit the walkway’s structure with minimal onsite modification. With high-visibility yellow as standard and RAL customisation options available, visual safety and urban integration were achieved in one.
Fire-rated to ASTM E84 Class 2 and capable of withstanding temperatures from -40°C to +120°C, this was a system built not just for today, but for years of safe public use.
Conclusion
This project demonstrated how GRP handrails can be a smarter, safer, and more economical alternative to traditional rail systems in urban projects. The combination of rapid delivery, durable performance, and regulatory compliance makes GRP a perfect match for today’s infrastructure needs.
Explore our range of GRP handrail systems at Engineered Composites.
