UltraComposite Pipe Piling: The Steel Alternative
Steel pipe rusts, it is heavy, it is difficult to handle and it is expensive to transport. Furthermore, steel pipe is not environmentally friendly and will require long-term energy intensive, costly maintenance. CMI's UltraComposite FRP round pilings allow engineers and contractors to design and build with less worry about corrosion, negative environmental impact and the high cost of materials, transportation and long-term maintenance.
UltraComposite products are made in an ISO 9001:2008 certified production facility ensuring every UltraComposite part will meet our published specifications. Additionally, UltraComposite round piles are pultruded allowing higher glass content per thickness than other technologies as well as offering a more consistent shape, thickness, and dimensional tolerances.
Structural composite and FRP materials are not new. For several decades composites have been utilized for bridge decks, girders and superstructures. Fiberglass materials are often used for offshore drilling rig production platforms, industrial water cooling towers, military combat armor and electrical power transmission poles. Also, in the past decade CMI's UltraComposite sheet piling has served as an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to wood and steel sheet piling in marine structures, flood walls, and seepage barriers.
Fiberglass pipe piling like CMI's UltraComposite is stronger than many comparable wood, steel and concrete options. The UltraComposite piles are used for dolphin piles, fender piles, and pipeline support structures. As low as 25% the weight of steel, UltraComposite round piles can increase safety and reduce liabilities on jobsites as they are easier to handle and can be installed with conventional pile driving equipment. UltraComposite pipe piles are corrosion resistant and typically do not require maintenance such as sealing, coating, sandblasting or painting. Because UltraComposite pipe piles do not contain toxic preservatives like CCA (arsenic based), coal tar epoxy or creosote, they can be used in bodies of water and areas with environmental restrictions.
