Cost Comparison vs. Traditional Materials
| Material | Initial Cost | Lifespan | Maintenance Cost |
| Pultruded FRP | Higher | 30-50+ years | Very Low |
| Galvanized Steel | Lower | 10-20 years | High (rust prevention) |
| Stainless Steel | Very High | 20-30 years | Medium (cleaning, inspection) |
| Wood | Low | 5-15 years | High (rot treatment, replacement) |
→ FRP is cost-effective long-term due to minimal maintenance & replacements.
6. Case Study: Pultruded FRP Channels in Industrial Cooling Towers
Problem: A chemical plant’s cooling tower steel supports rusted within 5 years due to acidic fumes.
Solution: Replaced with pultruded FRP C-channels & I-beams.
Results:
- Zero corrosion after 10+ years
- Reduced maintenance costs by 60%
- Lighter weight allowed easier retrofitting