Smart Structure for Sensitive Sites: GRP Profiles in Action at Tres Cruces Hospital
When structural demands meet operational limitations, traditional materials often fall short. That was the case at Tres Cruces Hospital in Spain, where a rooftop helicopter ambulance pad was urgently needed—without overloading the hospital’s roof or disrupting the active A&E ward below.
Enter GRP structural profiles from Engineered Composites: lightweight, high-strength alternatives to steel that solved multiple challenges simultaneously.
The Challenge: Structural Limits, Zero Disruption & Long-Term Durability
- Weight Restrictions: Steel was too heavy for the existing rooftop structure without costly reinforcements.
- Non-Disruptive Build: Construction had to occur above a live A&E department, making quiet, clean, fast installation essential.
- Durability: The rooftop structure required materials resistant to UV, corrosion, and wear to perform reliably over time.
The GRP Advantage
Engineered Composites supplied prefabricated GRP structural profiles—including I-beams, channels, and box sections—that met the site’s technical and operational needs.
Why it worked:
- Up to 70% Lighter Than Steel: Reduced rooftop load without compromising strength
- Modular & Prefab Format: Speeds up installation, reducing disruption below
- Corrosion & UV Resistance: Ideal for long-term rooftop exposure
- Non-Conductive: Safe for aviation and healthcare environments
Built for Precision, Installed with Ease
The GRP profiles were custom-sized to fit the helipad layout exactly. They were bolted together using mechanical fixings—no welding, hot works, or specialist tools required. This minimised disruption to hospital operations and eliminated safety risks tied to traditional construction techniques.
With flexural strength up to 340 MPa and thermal conductivity under 0.3 W/mK, the profiles provided structural integrity and weather resistance while keeping energy transfer to a minimum.
Conclusion
The Tres Cruces helipad is a model of what’s possible when modern infrastructure meets modern materials. GRP profiles from Engineered Composites allowed the hospital to maintain full operations while building a structurally sound, future-proof landing pad.
Explore GRP profile applications in critical environments at Engineered Composites.
