Products & Systems / Structural GRP profiles
Pultruded GRP round tubes
GRP round tubes.
Match the fitting.
Round hollow GRP profiles for fabricated rails and access details. Specify the outside diameter, wall and connection together, including the fittings and service environment.
Diameter, wall and material
Define the hollow profile.
Check the supply option.
Use outside diameter and wall thickness to identify a round tube. Include the required length and material designation rather than relying on a general tube description.
| Outside diameter | Wall | Length | Listed option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 mm | 3 mm | 6 m | Grey or yellow |
| 40 mm | 4 mm | 5 m | Phenolic specification |
Check the current tube supply listing →
These are material options, not interchangeable system ratings. Confirm the exact resin, grade, dimensions and fit for your assembly. For square or rectangular hollow members, compare GRP box sections.
The fitting is part of the selection
Fit the tube.
Confirm the load transfer.
A similar nominal size does not establish compatibility. Check the actual tube and fitting dimensions, tolerances and connection method.
Clamps & sleeves
Confirm the specified tube diameter and the fitting interface. Review how contact forces enter the tube wall and how movement is restrained.
Bolted joints
Set out holes, spacing and edge distances. Include local wall behaviour, fastener access and the accepted tightening procedure.
Ends & transitions
Coordinate end caps, terminations and changes in direction. Agree the detail at gates, posts and adjoining components.
For a complete guarding requirement, use the SafeClamp® system route. A tube selected from a materials list is not automatically compatible with every handrail fitting or guarding arrangement.
Define the member duty
Show the span.
Identify the actions.
Explain the role of the tube within the assembly. The design review needs the load arrangement, restraint and connection conditions as well as the section size.
Loading
Identify forces applied to the member and where they act. Include relevant horizontal, vertical or torsional actions and any equipment attachments.
Span & restraint
Show the distance between supports and the joint conditions. Review movement and stability where relevant to the member role.
Local effects
Account for clamps, holes and contact areas. Avoid assuming the complete circular section is effective at a locally weakened connection.
Material properties
Request the current properties and product designation for the selected tube. Confirm the data applies to the actual resin and reinforcement.
Fabrication
Provide cut lengths, drilling details, tolerances and member references. Agree preparation and treatment of exposed surfaces.
The BS EN 13706 series provides the pultruded-profile specification framework. Establish the applicable product grade and project design requirements separately.
Service conditions
Review the exposure.
Include every component.
Describe the environment before finalising the material. Include moisture, chemical contact, temperature and any specialist performance requirement.
Corrosive exposure
Confirm compatibility for the actual chemicals and conditions. Review the resin and metallic connection components together.
Fire requirements
If a phenolic or other specified resin is proposed, request evidence for the exact product and required classification. The resin name alone does not establish compliance.
Electrical interfaces
Do not treat a general GRP material description as a certified insulation rating. Assess the assembly and its metallic parts against the project requirements.
Move from section to assembly
Send the tube schedule.
Show the connection.
Include outside diameter, wall thickness, finished lengths and quantities. Add connection sketches, service conditions and any required material evidence.
Structural profile hub
Compare open and hollow sections for the wider assembly.
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Coordinate the member layout, joints and fabrication information.
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Request the product designation and relevant evidence.
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Keep the tube and fitting specification together.
Record the accepted dimensions, connection method and inspection requirements.
Questions about round GRP tubes.
Which measurement defines a tube size?
State the outside diameter and wall thickness, together with the length. Confirm tolerances and the fitting interface for the selected product.
Can round tube be used in a handrail?
It may form part of a designed handrail or guarding arrangement. Confirm the tube, fittings, posts, connections and project actions as a system.
Can I swap a grey tube for a phenolic tube?
Do not assume interchangeability. Dimensions, resin, properties and evidence can differ; review the exact products and assembly requirements.
Can the tubes be supplied to a cutting schedule?
Provide finished lengths, quantities and tolerances, with drawings for holes or other preparation. Confirm the supply and fabrication scope.
Do clamps avoid the need for connection design?
No. The clamp interface, local tube behaviour and force transfer still need to be appropriate for the assembly.
Specify the tube.
Complete the connection.
Send your dimensions and assembly sketch. Ask Vital to review the tube, fitting and material requirements.