Challenge

In addition to maintenance concerns, choosing a lightweight material was key. All the piping and tanks were already in place and could not be torn out. That meant the FRP (fiberglass-reinforced polymer or fiberglass-reinforced plastic) structure needed to be light enough for workers to install the majority of the job by hand - so they could get into tight spaces without much heavy equipment.

Bedford Solution

Bedford supplied engineering, design, pultrusion and complete fabrication of the mud mixing platform, including PROForms^® stairs, ladders, handrails, PROGrid^® molded grating and all structural members for columns and supports. We also provided on-site guidance when material arrived to kick off the project as well as throughout the construction as changes occurred. Our lightweight pultruded composite material saved the client on heavy equipment costs and installation time, but that's not the only advantage they gained. Because M-I Swaco could not completely stop production during the project, we delivered the FRP structural members in sections. This allowed them to shut down one tank at a time. Price was also a major consideration, and Bedford was able to value-engineer the structure to the recommended load requirements and save the client thousands. The installation crew was able to complete the project four weeks earlier than expected, thanks to a knowledgeable installation crew at M-I Swaco and on-time delivery from Bedford as needed - even when the project was ahead of schedule.

M-I personnel and project managers are extremely pleased with how the finished platform looks and functions. Best of all, the projected savings from early completion and Bedford's value engineering is estimated to be around $50,000 to $75,000.

Featured Products

PROForms^® Fiberglass Structural Shapes and PROGrid^® Molded FRP Grating

Challenge

In addition to the aesthetic and maintenance requirements, the time schedule was tight, and heavy equipment was not allowed around the garage after the blacktop was poured.

Bedford Solution

Bedford provided engineering, design, pultrusion and complete fabrication of the architectural modules (including PROForms^® structural fiberglass I-beams, square tubes and round tubes, as well as PROGrid^® FRP molded grating panels) through its representative, Engineered Processes Inc. With Bedford's wide variety of shapes, we were able to incorporate the design the architect envisioned.

Bedford's material was pigmented all the way through with the same color, then painted with a paint coating for added protection against the elements - virtually eliminating the need for future painting, pressure washing or scraping. No specialized permits were needed for welding, cutting or grinding; modules were all bolted together and came pre-assembled to the jobsite.

Because FRP structural members weighs less than traditional building materials, crews were able to do 90 percent of the work from the top of the garage down with no heavy equipment on the ground. The client saved money by not needing cranes or heavy equipment rentals to lift the material, an expense that aluminum or steel would require.

The University, architects and the construction company were pleased with the look, quality and on-time delivery of all the composite materials Bedford supplied for this project. From longevity and low maintenance to the ease of installation, FRP proved to be the best value for the project.

Featured Products

PROForms^® Fiberglass Structural Shapes and PROGrid^® Molded FRP Grating Panels

Challenge

The museum and its architects were looking for a composite material that was both functional and visually appealing. PROForms^® FRP structural shapes made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer provided the strength they wanted with the flexibility to create their design vision.

Bedford Solution

Through our representative, Engineered Processes Inc., Bedford provided complete pultrusion and fabrication of the architectural fencing, including wide-flange beams and flatsheet in custom colors and designs. The finished product features bright, eye-catching colors and interactive spinning apples and oranges, as well as birds and squirrels.

No heavy equipment was needed in the installation and assembly stages, saving the client money on cranes and heavy equipment rentals. No specialized permits were needed for welding, cutting or grinding, either. Sections were all prefabricated and assembled by Bedford, which reduced the installation time.

The Museum, architects and the construction company were pleased with the look, quality and delivery of all the pultruded fiberglass materials Bedford supplied for this project. After everything was installed, Hurricane Ike passed through the area, unleashing havoc across the city. The PROForms^® FRP fence withstood hurricane-force winds and rain and survived intact with only minor scratches.

Featured Products

PROForms^® Structural Fiberglass Shapes

Challenge

Aquatic and marine exhibits require a durable material - one that can handle being hosed down and splashed with saltwater day after day. PROForms^® structural FRP shapes and PROGrid^® molded grating panels provided the ideal solution for this environment.

Bedford Solution

Bedford manufactured FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic or fiberglass reinforced polymer) work platforms, tank stands and storage racks for the project, which was completed in May 2010. All of the fiberglass structural components were completely custom-made to fit the space and integrate with Tenji's aquatic support systems.

Since the facility improvements, the response has been extremely positive, and visitation has picked up at the museum as a result. (Photos courtesy of Tenji.)

Featured Products

PROForms^® Fiberglass Structural Shapes and PROGrid^® Molded Fiberglass Grating Panels

Challenge

Bedford was asked to design a protection system ranging from 5 kj to 20 kj (kilojoules) of impact. The materials needed to be extremely strong (with the durability to withstand the pressures of being in 10,000 ft.-plus depths); corrosion-resistant to withstand constant exposure to salt water; and extremely lightweight.

Bedford Solution

PROForms^® fiberglass structural shapes and PROGrid^® fiberglass molded grating panels were ideal for this project because, unlike steel, FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic or fiberglass reinforced polymer) is non-corrosive. The composite material is also lightweight enough for an ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) to remove the covers occasionally to access valves deep within the manifolds. The project was completed after a year of testing, and the results have been outstanding with no issues.

Featured Products

PROForms^® Fiberglass Structural Shapes and PROGrid^® Molded Grating Products

Challenge

Barrick Goldstrike Mines needed to pump groundwater out of its underground mining operations. But environmental regulations required that 130˚F to 140˚F water to be cooled to the nearby river’s temperature (32˚F to 80˚F) before being released into the river. The tower design needed to allow for substantial seasonal temperature variances as well as extreme weather. Contractor Hamon Cooling Towers selected FRP (fiberglass-reinforced plastic or fiberglass-reinforced polymer) as an alternative to wood and concrete because it’s high strength, lightweight and extremely stable.

Bedford Solution

Hamon chose Bedford to supply PROForms^® FRP structural members based on our cooling tower experience, fabrication capabilities and capacity to deliver within a tight schedule. Our CNC routers helped shorten lead times as well. In all, Bedford shipped 29 flatbed trucks loaded with PROForms^® structural members, including square tubes, angles, channels and deck board. The composite materials were manufactured with fire retardant resin and surfacing veil for UV protection. Today, Bedford FRP continues to deliver excellent performance on the site with minimal maintenance required.

Featured Products

PROForms^® Fiberglass Structural Shapes