Welcome to Engineered Composites

GRP Profiles

Lightweight, corrosion-resistant GRP structural profiles engineered for long-term strength, safety, and ease of installation in harsh environments.

GRP_Profiles

Engineered Composites supply a wide range of GRP structural profiles that offer a high-performance alternative to steel, aluminium, and timber across various construction and industrial sectors. Manufactured using pultruded fibreglass and advanced resin systems, GRP profiles are built to withstand corrosion, chemical exposure, electrical hazards, and fire.

Engineered for demanding applications, these profiles are available in I-beams, box sections, channels, angles, and custom shapes to suit both structural and architectural needs.

GRP Profiles

GRP Profile Products We Offer

Whether you need structural framing, anti-sparking infrastructure, or fire-safe components, our GRP profile systems deliver strength without the weight.

Our GRP structural profiles are precision-pultruded to deliver strength, dimensional accuracy, and long-term durability in all weather and industrial conditions.

  • Material: Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP)

  • Shapes Available: Box sections, I-beams, channels, angles, T-sections, flats

  • Tensile Strength: Up to 240 MPa

  • Flexural Strength: ~340 MPa

  • Modulus of Elasticity: 20,000–25,000 MPa

  • Fire Rating: ASTM E84 Class 2 (optional fire-retardant resin)

  • Thermal Performance: Operational from -40°C to +120°C

  • UV Resistance: Surface protected for outdoor use

  • Colours: Grey as standard; custom RAL available

  • Fixings: Pre-drilled or field-drilled; bolt-together installation

  • Finishes: Smooth, gritted or resin-enhanced depending on use

Profiles are available cut-to-length and ready for rapid site assembly or modular integration.

All GRP profiles are manufactured to meet structural, fire safety, and durability standards for use in regulated environments including transport, energy, marine, and healthcare.

  • BS EN 13706 – Specification for pultruded GRP profiles (Grade E23)

  • EN 13501-1 – Fire classification for building materials (Euroclass tested)

  • BS EN ISO 14122-2 – Access system safety and structural performance

  • BS 7976-2 – Slip resistance testing (for relevant profiles with walk-on surfaces)

  • ASTM E84 – Flame spread and smoke development certification

  • ISO 9001:2015 – Quality control in production, traceability, and materials testing

  • REACH / RoHS Compliant – Certified for environmental safety and sustainability

All profiles are tested for dimensional consistency, load-bearing strength, fire resistance, and chemical stability in line with UK and EU regulatory requirements.

BSEN13706 Specification for GRP Profiles defines two grades of structural profiles. Our structural profiles with a wall thickness of over 5mm meet the higher performance E23 grade, while those at 3-5mm thick meet the E17 grade. 

Please view our Technical Data Table below for further specifications.

 UnitsProperty DataProperty Data
  E 23 GradeE 17 Grade
Full section modulusGPa2317
Tensile strength (axial)MPa240170
Tensile strength (transverse)MPa5030
Tensile Modulus (axial)GPa2317
Tensile Modulus (transverse)GPa75
Flexural strength (axial)MPa240170
Flexural strength (transverse)MPa10070
Inter-laminar shearMPa2515
Pin bearing strengthMPa7050

Additional Generic Physical Property Data

PropertyUnitstypical value
Densityg/cm 31.9
Barcol Hardness350
Water Absorption%1.0 max
Electrical StrengthkV/mm5-10
Coeff. of thermal expansiondeg C x 10 -66-10
Coeff. of thermal conductivityW/m deg C0.3-0.35

Corrosion & Weather Resistant

No rust, rot, or degradation over time

Non-Conductive & Fire Retardant

Safe for electrical and industrial sites

Lightweight & High Strength

Easy to install with exceptional durability

Why Choose GRP Structural Profiles?

GRP profiles offer a smarter alternative to steel, timber, or aluminium in environments that demand strength without corrosion, conductivity, or heavy maintenance. Engineered for longevity, they deliver reliable structural support in even the most challenging conditions.

Lightweight & Strong

Easier to transport and install than steel

Corrosion-Resistant

No rusting in salt, moisture, or chemical environments

Fire-Retardant Options

Suitable for tunnels, transport, and aviation

Non-Conductive

Safe for electrical infrastructure and medical zones

Low Maintenance

No painting or coating required

Customisable

Wide range of profiles and RAL colours

GRP Pultruded Profiles UK

Need Help Choosing the Right GRP Profiles? Talk to Our Experts!

We’ll help you choose the right solution based on safety, environment & compliance.

Typical Applications of GRP Structural Profiles

GRP structural profiles are widely used across industrial, commercial, and infrastructure sectors. Thanks to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and non-conductive properties, they’re ideal for both new constructions and retrofitting in safety-critical environments.

Rooftop Frames & Gantries

GRP box sections and channels are ideal for building non-load-bearing rooftop frameworks, walkways, and access gantries where weight limits and exposure to the elements are major concerns.

Blast Walls & Perimeter Barriers

Used in airports, energy plants, and military zones, GRP profiles form rigid, non-metallic blast walls and fencing systems that are weatherproof, spark-proof, and quick to install.

Cable Management Systems

GRP channels and trays are perfect for supporting electrical cabling in substations, tunnels, and industrial plants- offering safe, non-conductive routing without risk of corrosion.

Chemical & Water Treatment Facilities

Profiles maintain their integrity in harsh chemical and wet environments where steel would corrode, making them ideal for walkways, structural platforms, and tank supports.

Transport & Marine Infrastructure

GRP’s resistance to salt, moisture, and UV makes it suitable for coastal walkways, signal gantries, handrails, and access structures on rail and marine sites.

Modular Framing & Cladding Support

Profiles are used to create lightweight structural skeletons for modular buildings, ventilation towers, and maintenance structures with minimal fixings and fast on-site assembly.

Case Studies

Rooftop Helipad, Tres Cruces Hospital (Spain)

In a mission-critical healthcare project, Engineered Composites supplied GRP profiles for the construction of a rooftop helicopter landing pad at Tres Cruces Hospital. The lightweight GRP frame helped solve multiple design challenges:

  • Avoided overloading the existing hospital roof

  • Maintained full emergency A&E operations during installation

  • Delivered rapid installation with minimal onsite cutting

  • Provided long-term UV and moisture resistance for exposed rooftop use

This case proves GRP profiles are an optimal choice for structural builds where low weight, non-metallic properties, and fast installation are vital.

tress-cruse

Copenhagen Airport Blast Wall

Blast-Wall-Fence-Copenhagen-No-7

To meet strict safety and security standards, Copenhagen Airport required a non-metallic blast wall system capable of resisting both structural shock and coastal corrosion. GRP structural profiles were chosen for their:

  • Non-conductive and non-sparking properties, essential near sensitive aviation equipment

  • High strength-to-weight ratio, making it easier to install on-site without large machinery

  • Modular design, allowing fast assembly using bolted fixings with minimal disruption to operations

  • Corrosion resistance, ideal for long-term durability in exposed, salty environments

This project highlights how GRP profiles can outperform traditional materials in aviation, security, and marine-exposed infrastructure projects.

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FAQs About GRP Profiles

What are GRP profiles used for?

GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) profiles are used as structural framing, support beams, and load-bearing elements in sectors like construction, marine, rail, energy, and telecom. Common applications include walkways, rooftop frames, cable management, and non-metallic enclosures.

Are GRP profiles stronger than steel?

While GRP profiles may not match the raw tensile strength of steel, they offer a superior strength-to-weight ratio. This makes them easier to install and more durable in corrosive, wet, or electrically sensitive environments, all with minimal maintenance.

Can GRP profiles be used outdoors?

Yes. GRP profiles are UV-stabilised and weatherproof, making them ideal for long-term outdoor use. They resist moisture, salt spray, temperature fluctuations, and aggressive environmental conditions, including those found in marine or coastal areas.

Are GRP profiles fire-resistant?

Many GRP profiles are made with fire-retardant resin systems and are tested to standards like ASTM E84 Class 2 and EN 13501-1. These profiles are suitable for public infrastructure, transport hubs, and industrial environments where fire safety is critical.

Are GRP profiles non-conductive?

Yes. GRP is naturally electrically non-conductive, making it the material of choice for use near live equipment, substations, rail networks, and medical facilities where electrical safety is essential.

Can GRP profiles be customised?

Absolutely. GRP profiles can be cut to size, drilled, and finished with specific colours or surface textures. Custom shapes and resin formulations are also available for project-specific requirements, including chemical or fire resistance.

How long do GRP structural profiles last?

With proper installation, GRP profiles can last 25–50 years or more. They don’t rust, rot, or warp, and require virtually no maintenance, making them a highly cost-effective solution for long-term infrastructure projects.