i. Glass reinforced plastic is a composite material made up of plastic reinforced by glass fibres.

ii. Plastics like polyester or epoxy are normally used for GRP production.

iii. The plastic resin are weak in tensile strength and strong in compression, whereas glass fibres are weak in compressive force and strong in tension.

iv. GRP material can be used for structural members subjected to tension and compression.

Uses of Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic: (GRP)

i. GRP pipe systems can be used for variety of applications, underground as well as above the ground. - Drinking water systems - Cooling water systems - Waste water systems - Sewage systems - Gas systems

ii. A wide variety of storage tanks are made of GRP with capacities upto about 300 tonnes.

iii. GRP are also used in the house building market for the production of roofing, laminate, door surrounds, over door canopies and dormers, chimneys, coping system, heads with keystones,

iv. The use of GRP provides a much faster installation and because of less height, manual handling issues are reduced.

Advantages

i. Lightweight

ii. Long spans available

iii. High ratio of strength to weight

iv. Good molding ability

v. Easily installed, can be cut, patched, sanded

vi. Non corrosive, rot –resistant

Disadvantages:

i. Ultraviolet sensitive unless surface is coated or pigments are in gel coat.

ii. Vapor impermeability may require ventilation detail.