Protecting Airports with Precision: GRP Blast Walls at Copenhagen Kastrup
When Copenhagen Kastrup Airport needed a blast wall that could withstand extreme conditions while meeting aviation security standards, traditional steel options posed too many limitations. The solution? GRP structural profiles from Engineered Composites.
Located in a coastal environment with demanding operational timelines and strict fire and safety standards, the airport required a perimeter defence that was as resilient as it was practical. Here’s how GRP met the challenge.
The Challenge: Aviation Safety, Coastal Exposure, and Rapid Install
- Security Compliance: The blast wall needed to satisfy international aviation safety standards, including resistance to potential explosive threats.
- Coastal Corrosion: Constant salt air and humidity posed significant risks to metal-based solutions.
- Efficient Installation: Construction had to proceed without disrupting airport operations.
- Fire & Structural Performance: The wall needed to be non-flammable and structurally sound under pressure.
The GRP Advantage
Engineered Composites supplied a custom GRP structural system featuring I-beams, box sections, and mechanical fixings to deliver a safe, high-performance blast wall.
What made GRP the right choice:
- Corrosion-Proof: Ideal for harsh marine climates
- Fire-Resistant: Compliant with ASTM E84 Class 2 fire standards
- Lightweight & Strong: Easier to transport and install than steel without compromising integrity
- Non-Conductive & Non-Magnetic: Safe for areas with sensitive electronic and navigation equipment
- UV-Stable & Durable: Engineered for outdoor longevity with minimal upkeep
Installation Efficiency in a Live Environment
Using a modular bolt-together design, the blast wall was installed with speed and precision—eliminating the need for hot works and minimising impact on airport operations. The lightweight nature of GRP also reduced handling complexity on-site.
With tensile strength up to 240 MPa and resistance to high wind loads, the structure now safeguards critical areas of the airport while blending seamlessly into its operational flow.
Conclusion
This project highlights how GRP structural profiles from Engineered Composites offer more than just an alternative to steel—they provide a smarter, safer solution for infrastructure where precision and protection are non-negotiable.
Explore our blast-resistant GRP solutions at Engineered Composites.
