From Steel to Fiberglass: Why a Local Municipality Made the Switch

Custom Fiberglass Solutions: A Case Study in Innovation

At PlasTech Services Inc., we take immense pride in projects that showcase our expertise in fiberglass (FRP) solutions. One recent standout involved partnering with a small municipality to replace a 50-year-old steel bridge that had succumbed to severe corrosion. Instead of opting for another steel structure, we specified and installed a custom fiberglass bridge, providing a sustainable, long-term solution that promises decades of reliable service.

This wasn't a straightforward job. The bridge was suspended over water, with restricted access that complicated every step of the process. On top of that, the client needed a corrosion-resistant design built to last. Drawing on our 35+ years of experience, we've helped countless municipalities, water treatment facilities, and industrial sites tackle similar issues—whether it's full-scale structural replacements or targeted fiberglass reinforcements.

The Challenges We Overcame

Every project has its hurdles, and this one was no exception. Here's what made it unique:

• Suspended Over Water: Working at height over a body of water required meticulous planning to ensure safety and minimize environmental impact.

• Restricted Access: Narrow pathways and limited space meant we had to get creative with equipment and installation methods.

• Long-Term Corrosion Resistance: The original steel bridge had deteriorated due to constant exposure to moisture and other elements, so our solution needed to stand up to the same harsh conditions without faltering.

Through careful engineering and on-site ingenuity, we delivered a fiberglass bridge that not only met but exceeded expectations.

Why Reinforcing and Replacing Steel with Fiberglass Makes Sense

In corrosive environments, steel's vulnerabilities can lead to frequent repairs, skyrocketing costs, and safety risks. That's where fiberglass shines as a superior alternative. Here's a closer look at the key advantages that convinced this municipality—and many others—to make the switch:

1. Exceptional Corrosion Resistance

Steel rusts and corrodes when hit with moisture, chlorides (think road salt or saltwater), or chemicals. Fiberglass? It's inherently non-corrosive, making it perfect for tough spots like:

• Coastal and marine setups: Piers, seawalls, and docks that battle constant saltwater exposure.

• Bridges and roadways: Especially in regions relying on de-icing salts during winter.

• Wastewater treatment and chemical plants: Where aggressive substances eat away at metal.

• Underground elements: Foundations and pipes facing ongoing moisture and soil chemicals.

By choosing fiberglass, structures avoid the degradation that plagues steel, ensuring they stay intact longer.

2. Increased Durability and Extended Service Life

Fiberglass's corrosion resistance means less wear and tear, translating to structures that last far longer with minimal upkeep. In harsh settings, fiberglass-reinforced designs can push service life from a typical 20-30 years to 50-100 years or more. For municipalities watching their budgets, this means big savings on repairs and replacements over time.

3. Lightweight and Easy to Handle

Weighing up to 75% less than steel, fiberglass is a game-changer for logistics and installation:

• Transport Savings: Lighter materials cut shipping costs and speed up delivery.

• On-Site Efficiency: Easier handling reduces labor demands and lowers injury risks.

• Ideal for Weight-Sensitive Projects: Perfect for bridges, walkways, or any build where excess weight could compromise the design.

In our municipality project, this lightweight advantage helped us navigate the restricted access without heavy machinery that might have damaged the site.

4. Impressive Tensile Strength

Don't let the lightness fool you—fiberglass packs a punch in tensile strength, often surpassing steel. For instance, it can offer three times the tensile strength of Grade 40 steel, making it incredibly resistant to pulling forces and cracking. This ensures fiberglass structures remain strong and stable, even under stress.

5. Non-Conductive and Non-Magnetic Properties

Steel conducts electricity and can interfere with magnetic fields, but fiberglass doesn't. This makes it invaluable in scenarios where:

• Electromagnetic interference could disrupt operations.

• Electrical safety is critical, like near power lines or in areas with stray currents.

It's a smart pick for modern infrastructure, blending structural needs with tech considerations.

6. Minimal Maintenance Requirements

Say goodbye to the endless cycle of sandblasting, scraping, and repainting steel structures. Fiberglass's natural resistance to corrosion slashes maintenance needs, freeing up resources for other priorities. Over the life of a project, this adds up to significant time and cost efficiencies.

Wrapping It Up: The Future of Durable Infrastructure

Switching from steel to fiberglass isn't just a trend—it's a strategic move for longevity, safety, and savings, especially in environments where corrosion is the enemy. Our work with this local municipality proves how custom fiberglass solutions can transform aging infrastructure into resilient assets. At PlasTech Services Inc, we're committed to engineering these innovative approaches, helping clients build for the future.

If your facility or project faces similar corrosion challenges, reach out to us. Let's discuss how fiberglass can deliver the durable, cost-effective results you need.

We Maintain What Matters! Contact Us

Get in touch with us at 1-410-737-4700 or submit a form at https://www.plastechservices.com/fiberglass-services