Products & Systems / Structural GRP profiles
Pultruded GRP channel sections
GRP channel sections.
Support the load.
C-section GRP channels for framing and support assemblies. Coordinate the section depth, loading axis and restraint with the connections that complete the load path.
C-section range
Compare the section.
Confirm its designation.
The VGRP-DS-36 reference lists the following grey C-section profiles. Dimensions and nominal mass help identify the member; they do not establish its design capacity.
| Depth × flange × thickness | Listed mass (kg/m) |
|---|---|
| 73 × 25 × 5 | 1.08 |
| 76 × 25.4 × 6.35 | 1.10 |
| 100 × 40 × 5 | 1.43 |
| 100 × 50 × 6 | 2.03 |
| 150 × 50 × 6 | 2.57 |
| 200 × 60 × 8 | 4.00 |
| 200 × 60 × 9.5 | 5.59 |
The reference includes 6 m length weights. Confirm supply length, cutting, dimensional tolerances, material grade and availability for the selected profile. Identify the section orientation on the drawing as well as its size.
An open section needs a clear load arrangement
Show the axis.
Define the restraint.
A channel can work within a frame, edge beam or secondary support. The design needs to show where the load acts and how the member is supported along its length.
Bending direction
Identify the relevant section axis and request its properties. A channel turned through 90 degrees has a different relationship to the applied load.
Eccentric loading
Show loads applied through flanges, brackets or one side of the web. Include any twisting action and the means of restraint in the design.
Span & stability
Define end supports and intermediate restraint. Review member stability, deflection and the connected assembly under the relevant load cases.
Do not assume a deck provides effective restraint merely because it rests on the channel. Specify the connection and load transfer where restraint is required. The member, decking and bracing need compatible details.
Force transfer at the joints
Resolve the web.
Coordinate the flanges.
Position connections around the section geometry and assembly access. The joint arrangement can govern the member choice and the fabrication sequence.
Web connections
Set out bolts and holes with the required spacing and edge distances. Check bearing and the remaining profile section at the connection.
Flange loading
Show deck bearing, cleats and local attachments. Review local effects where forces enter a flange rather than the complete section.
End supports
Define bearing length, connection geometry and any restraint. Include reactions and installation tolerances at the supporting member or asset.
Paired members
If two channels work together, detail how load is shared and transferred between them. Do not assume paired sections act as one without an appropriate design.
Fasteners & interfaces
Specify the fasteners, washers and tightening procedure. Coordinate access, material compatibility and the conditions around each joint.
Fit the assembly to the site
Plan the members.
Prepare the installation.
Confirm how the frame reaches its final position, including delivery lengths, lifting points and temporary support. Include the installed sequence in the connection review.
Fabrication schedule
Provide member identification, cut lengths, drilling information and the accepted revision. Mark orientation where it matters to assembly.
Site interfaces
Confirm levels, support positions, tolerances and access. Record differences before adapting a fabricated member.
Handover
Retain the final arrangement, connection details and any use or inspection requirements with the asset information.
The information behind the member
Match the material.
Verify the assumptions.
Request current properties for the exact profile and material designation. Establish the loading and serviceability criteria before applying any member data.
Profile requirements
The BS EN 13706 series addresses pultruded profiles. Confirm the selected grade and supporting product information.
Environment
Identify chemical exposure, moisture, temperature and any fire requirements. Review the resin, surface protection and metallic connections together.
Load information
Check the section axis, span, support and restraint assumptions behind a table. Include joints and the complete structure in the project design.
Bring the member schedule and design brief together.
Include loads, spans, restraints, connections, exposure and required deliverables.
For supply to an agreed material schedule, explore GRP Express. For a fabricated frame or coordinated system, send the project brief to Vital.
Questions about GRP channels.
Are C-section and channel the same family?
The reference uses C-section for these open channel profiles. Confirm the exact designation and dimensions when specifying.
Can I use a channel on its side?
The design must use the properties and checks for that orientation. Do not transfer a capacity from a different loading axis.
Can channels be paired back to back?
This can be considered within a designed assembly. Detail the connections between members and the method of load transfer.
Does the catalogue mass describe the load it carries?
No. The listed mass is the member self-weight per metre. Load capacity requires the material properties, geometry, supports and design checks.
Can Vital fabricate the channels?
Send the member schedule, connection details and required assembly format so the fabrication scope can be agreed.
Define the frame.
Send the channel layout.
Share spans, loads and connection locations. Ask Vital to review the section arrangement and fabrication requirements.