The Performance of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Under Abrasive Condition

Steel as we can see today is widely used in construction especially for drain covering. As we all know steel is a very strong material in addition with its flexural ability compared to concrete or reinforced concrete. Hence, we can see the application of steel is everywhere. Unfortunately, steel will tend to rust when it is not covered or layered with protective material, thus it is cannot be exposed to air nor water. In order to maintain the strength and properties of steel itself such cost is needed like repainting cost. Thus, this report is mainly about replacing the steel to Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP). First of all, before entering the broader scope of GFRP usage, the author proposed the GFRP grating initially would be likely placed on joint covering or drainage covering. Major resistance that these grating would face is the wear and tear resistance caused from pedestrian force. Test will be conducted based on ASTM G65 standard. As for this paperwork we will be specified on abrasion test. This research examines the wear and tear ability of the sample. This test will involve three (3) surfaces which are the sample surface (GFRP), sand (as abrader) and rubber wheel. Samples that will be used are the polyester, vinyl ester and phenolic. The outcome of the results will tell us which resins have the highest resistance in terms of abrasion and these samples will be classified into two different conditions which are the normal condition (control samples) and the 1 month aging condition (immerse into salt water and temperature of 60ºC). The methodology of this test will be consisting of 3 phases which are research methodology, data collection and data analysis. At the end of the research we will able to justify whether is it reliable to advancing the usage of GFRP material in replacing steel for grating