Architectural Structures from Gurit

Advanced composites can offer significant structural benefits and are widely used through a range of industries. Appropriate design of structural concepts and materials can make the use of these materials cost-effective in architectural structures, and open up a range of new possibilities in design and construction.

Advantages of Advanced Composites

LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURES
Composites can be used to save significant amounts of weight for structures supporting distributed loads such as facades, roofs and bridges. This is due to the strength and stiffness to weight ratio of the materials and also the ability to use sandwich construction, which is a highly efficient method of supporting distributed loads. Lightweight structures can allow quicker installation, reduced temporary works or installation in difficult to access areas.

FORMABILITY & ACCURACY
The ability to form complex shapes offers advantages to architects, giving them more freedom to develop curved forms and also introduce decorative elements into the structures. Building facades over the last 20 years have been dominated by glazed facades. There is a trend for architects to explore facades with more interesting windows than simple square windows in a rectilinear system, and this provides an opportunity for moulded composites.

LONGEVITY
Composites resistance to corrosion and environmental degradation offers the opportunity for reduced maintenance compared with traditional materials such as steel and concrete. 

TOUGHNESS
Composite panels are relatively tough and impact-resistant compared with traditional facade panels. In addition they are easy to repair if damaged on site or during installation. Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) or aluminium cladding panels often have to be replaced if damaged as it is difficult to repair or re-finish them.