Technology
At Northstar Building Systems
Financial Savings
Composites provides savings in the following areas:
Labor
The lighter FRP components, due to their reduced weight, necessitate fewer workers during installation, resulting in significant cost savings on labor.
Operational Cost
FRP structures save on energy costs, provide ideal indoor conditions, and incur minimal post-disaster repair expenses.
Equipment
Lightweight FRP materials significantly reduce the need for expensive and heavy equipment during the installation process.
Maintenance
FRP's exceptional energy efficiency significantly reduces long-term maintenance costs. FRP needs little maintenance in tough conditions compared to traditional materials.
Transportation
Maneuverable nature of FRP compared to traditional construction materials leads to more cost-efficient transportation processes, facilitating smoother logistics.
Life Cycle
FRP shells significantly extend the structure's lifespan due to their superior resistance to water and chemical corrosion.
Installation
Prefabricated FRP materials are ready for installation as soon as the site is prepared, and the structure can be erected in weeks thereby saving on-site installation costs.
Materials
Example: concrete structures with GFRP rebar often require less concrete cover and no expensive additives for rust prevention.
Decommissioning
FRP structures offer cost savings on decommissioning due to their ease of removal and recycling, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Redefining Building Technology with FRP
Northstar Technologies delivers advanced Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) panels and systems engineered for strength, efficiency, and resilience. Our proprietary composites outperform traditional steel, wood, and concrete in durability, energy performance, and long-term value.
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What Is FRP?
FRP is a more general term that refers to any type of plastic that is reinforced with fibers. While fiberglass is one type of FRP, other types of fibers, such as carbon or aramid, can also be used as the reinforcement material.
There are multiple types of FRP, (GFRP,GRP,FRP,GFRG,GFRC)
FRP is composed of a protective polymer reinforced with high-strength fiberglass.
GFRP
GFRP is a specific type of FRP that uses glass fibers as the reinforcement material. GFRP is similar to fiberglass in terms of its composition, but the term "GFRP" is often used to indicate that the material has been specifically designed and manufactured for use in construction applications.
GFRC
GFRC is similar to chopped fiberglass although much weaker. It’s made by combining a mixture of fine sand, cement, polymer water, (AR) glass fibers.
FRP vs Traditional Materials
How are FRP
Composites Made?
FRP composites are formed using several methods, however
pultrusion is the preferred method in structural building
systems. FRP composites have two components; the matrix
and the reinforcement. These two components work together to create a material with improved or unique characteristics that may not be present in each individual component alone.
Reinforcement
In the foundational binder, the matrix is typically composed of polymers, metals, or ceramics. Polymers are frequently chosen for their versatility, while metals and ceramics may be selected based on specific performance requirements, such as high-temperature resistance or electrical conductivity.
This component imparts distinctive qualities to the FRP. Reinforcements commonly manifest as fibers or particles, with materials like glass, carbon, and aramid fibers.
FRP vs Concrete
FRP is stronger and more flexible than concrete, therefore, is more resistant to impact & natural disasters.
FRP Weighs about 11X less than reinforced concrete.
Porous concrete absorbs water, leading to the formation of rust in steel reinforcements and deterioration of the concrete surface.
FRP products have a service life of approximately 100 years and require virtually no maintenance throughout that time frame. On the other hand, comparable reinforced concrete surfaces usually start to degrade after 15–20 years or sooner when exposed to harsh weather conditions or corrosive chemicals.
FRP materials enable faster and cost-effective installation compared to labor and time-intensive concrete. FRP is low maintenance and rarely requires repairs, whereas concrete repairs are costly and time-consuming. the use of lightweight FRP reduces labor expenses and minimizes stress on infrastructure, ultimately decreasing overall wear and tear.
FRP vs Wood
FRP resists moisture, rot, and insect damage.
Wood can warp, rot, and attract termites or marine borers.
FRP is nonconductive with high dielectric strength.
Wood can conduct electricity when wet.
FRP is fully transparent to EMI/RFI signals.
Wood is also transparent but not engineered for RF.
FRP is lightweight and installs with basic tools.
Wood can also be cut easily but is heavier and less durable.
FRP vs Steel
FRP is pound-for-pound stronger than steel in lengthwise direction.
FRP Weighs 75% less than steel. its strength-to-weight ratio is 4X that of high tensile steel
FRP often costs less than steel. with installation, equipment, and labor savings it costs significantly less than steel.
Thermal Transfer
For decades we’ve been building walls from thermally
conductive materials like steel or aluminum and then
adding insulation or isolating the layers to reduce the
thermal bridging through those walls. Eliminating layers
dramatically reduces cost.
Reduction of Thermal Bridging
FRP excels in construction by drastically reducing thermal
bridging, achieving up to a 60% reduction in heat loss
pathways compared to traditional materials.
Regulatory Compliance
Building codes and standards increasingly emphasize the importance of reducing thermal bridging to improve building energy performance.
Long-Term Stability
FRP demonstrates long-term stability in thermal performance, maintaining consistent thermal resistance over their lifespan
Fire Resistance
There are various methods to enhance the fire resistance of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites. Some key approaches include adding fire retardants in the resin, choosing char-forming resins, applying protective coatings, and utilizing flame retardant resins and testing.
NFPA and Bulding Codes to review
When specifying FRP understand that NFPA 285 is an assembly test.
ASTM E84 is the Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.
Also review IBC 2613 to understand codes around FRP.
Tested & Proven Performance
Our FRP panels undergo rigorous structural, fire, and environmental testing:
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250+ mph impact rating (HVHZ certified, hurricane resilience)
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UL 752 ballistic tested up to Level 8 (.50 cal)
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ASTM E84 Class A fire rating & ASTM E119 1-hour resistance
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Zero water/air infiltration, non-porous, termite-resistant
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RF transparent & EMP/HEMP resilient for defense applications
Efficiency & Long-Term Value
Northstar FRP wall panels with Owens Corning® insulation cut HVAC loads, lower embodied carbon, and reduce maintenance costs. Owners save on lifecycle expenses, while tenants benefit from comfort, safety, and lower energy bills. Lightweight systems also reduce transport and installation costs, making them ideal for both commercial and defense-grade infrastructure.
