Products & Systems / Structural GRP profiles
Pultruded GRP I-beams and wide-flange sections
GRP I-beams & H sections.
Define the load path.
GRP beam sections for engineered frames and spanning members. Review the bending axis, support arrangement and connections alongside the member dimensions.
Reference beam profiles
Depth and flange width.
More than a size label.
The VGRP-DS-36 reference lists these beam profiles. Confirm the detailed section drawing, material designation and current supply information before finalising the schedule.
| Depth × flange width × listed thickness | Listed mass (kg/m) |
|---|---|
| 101 × 51 × 6.35 | 2.24 |
| 150 × 80 × 8 | 4.96 |
| 150 × 150 × 10 | 7.10 |
| 200 × 100 × 9.5 | 7.20 |
| 200 × 200 × 10 | 11.02 |
The range includes narrow and wide-flange forms, sometimes described as I and H sections. Specify the full designation and dimensions. The reference includes 6 m length weights; confirm the supplied length, cutting and tolerances.
Set out the loading model
Place the loads.
Identify the beam axis.
A member schedule needs an accompanying load arrangement. Show how the deck, equipment or adjoining frame transfers actions into each beam.
Distributed loads
Define the loaded area and the width of deck carried by the beam. Keep area loading distinct from the line load acting along the member.
Concentrated loads
Locate equipment feet, point loads and connection reactions. Review local bearing and the effect of the actual load positions.
Member response
Use the properties for the relevant axis. Include strength, deflection, shear and stability checks required by the chosen design method.
Agree serviceability limits for the project, including movement that affects finishes, equipment or user comfort. A deflection limit is not itself a strength rating, and a load table does not replace the complete design review.
Support and stability
Restrain the member.
Detail the reactions.
Identify the restraints that exist in the finished assembly and during erection. The design must reflect how the beam is actually held and connected.
Lateral restraint
Show the locations and details that restrain the beam. Do not assume loose decking or an incidental contact provides a designed restraint.
End bearing
Confirm the contact area, bearing arrangement and local section checks. Coordinate tolerances and the supporting member or asset.
Web joints
Set out holes, bolts and connection plates. Review the remaining section and local force transfer at the joint.
Flange attachments
Identify loads or fixings introduced through the flanges. Check the local detail and any effects of holes or cut-outs.
Bracing & continuity
Show how the frame is stabilised. If continuity or combined action is assumed, detail the connections that provide it.
From member to complete system
Plan the frame.
Coordinate the delivery.
Connect the beam design to the deck, secondary members, guarding and supports. Include site access and the sequence in which the assembly becomes stable.
Fabrication
Prepare the cut and drilling schedule from the accepted drawings. Keep member identity and orientation clear.
Installation
Confirm delivery lengths, handling and temporary support. Review site differences before altering a prepared member.
Asset information
Record the final arrangement, design assumptions and inspection requirements for the receiving team.
Request information that matches the design
Verify the properties.
Check the table basis.
Ask for the exact section properties, material grade and applicable design information. Confirm the assumptions behind every calculation or published table.
Material specification
The BS EN 13706 series concerns pultruded profile specification. Confirm the selected grade, resin and supporting evidence.
Load-table assumptions
Identify units, loading type, span, axis, support and restraint conditions. Establish whether the table is limited by deflection or another criterion.
Exposure & duration
Include temperature, environment and duration of loading in the design basis. Review any fire requirement for the actual product and assembly.
Send the beam layout and load schedule together.
Include spans, tributary areas, point-load positions, supports and restraints.
For material supply to an agreed schedule, explore GRP Express. For a coordinated frame, send the design brief to Vital.
Questions about GRP beams.
Can I replace a steel beam with GRP at the same size?
Do not assume equivalence. Review stiffness, strength, stability, connections, duration of loading and exposure for the actual design.
What is the difference between area load and beam load?
Area load acts across a surface. The beam receives load from the area supported by it; the design must define that load transfer and its units.
Does a larger beam always solve the design?
No. Connections, restraint, bearing, deflection or the supporting structure may govern. Review the whole load path.
Can the beam be drilled for services?
Any holes or cut-outs must be included in the accepted design and fabrication information. Do not alter the member based on appearance alone.
What information should I send first?
Provide the layout, clear spans, load cases, support conditions, restraint and environmental requirements, with any connection sketches.
Develop the beam layout.
Send the design brief.
Share the loads, spans and supports. Ask Vital to review the member arrangement and the information needed for the next design stage.