What Does
Fiberglass Reinforced Pipe Mean?
Fiberglass reinforced pipes (FRP) are used in trenchless installation of pipelines because it is lightweight, temperature resistant, strong, and highly resistant to chemicals and corrosion. FRP basically consists of fiberglass and thermosetting resins. These pipes are easy to install and rarely need repair because they are low maintenance. In trenchless methods such as direct pipe, and microtunneling, FRP pipes are used because the jacking pressure required to drive the pipe is significantly reduced owing to its smooth outer surface.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Fiberglass Reinforced Pipe
FRP pipes are manufactured by a winding process that reinforces thermosetting epoxy resins with continuous glass filaments. As the resins cure they undergo an irreversible chemical reaction giving it superior resistance to temperature variation, while the glass fibers give it superior mechanical strength. In microtunneling steel sleeves were used for the purpose of jacking requiring tons of force. FRP pipes are now extensively used for this purpose because the reduced force to hydraulically jack it makes it cost effective also allowing for longer lengths to be installed. FRP can also be used for trenchless rehabilitation methods like sliplining. FRP is resistant to corrosion and chemicals and makes it an ideal material for pipes that carry such effluents.