FIBERGLASS STRUCTURAL SHAPES AND PLATE

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Introduction

What you see below is not the erection of a steelstructure. Rather, it is a structure being assembledusing EXTREN® fiberglass structural members.Today, EXTREN® is replacing steel, aluminum, andwood in a wide variety of structural applications.Why? Because EXTREN® is a problem solvingmaterial. This brochure provides the reader with thebasic information about the EXTREN® product lineand shows many examples of how the features ofEXTREN® were translated into end user benefits in avariety of markets and applications.

The features of EXTREN® fiberglass structural shapes arereadily translated into user benefits:

• Corrosion Resistant• Nonconductive — Thermally and Electrically• Nonmagnetic — Electromagnetic Transparency• Lightweight — Weighs 80% less than Steel• High Strength• Dimensional Stability• Low Maintenance• Custom Colors

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Product Line

EXTREN® is a proprietary combination of fiberglass reinforce-ments and thermosetting polyester or vinyl ester resinsystems. It is produced in more than 100 standard shapes.All EXTREN® shapes have a surface veil to protect againstglass fibers penetrating the resin surface in service and toincrease corrosion and UV resistance.EXTREN® is offered in three series designed for differentenvironments and applications.

EXTREN® 500An all-purpose series utilizing an isophthalic polyester resinsystem with a UV inhibitor.Color: olive green

EXTREN® 525An all-purpose series utilizing a fire retardant isophthalicpolyester resin system with a UV inhibitor.Color: slate gray (plus certin handrail and fixed-laddercomponents in yellow)

EXTREN® 625A premium series — both fire retardant and highly corrosionresistant — utilizing a vinyl ester resin system with a UVinhibitor.Color: beige

The three EXTREN® series: (left to right) 500, 525 and 625.

10' x 250' EXTREN® platform for a petrochemical complex.

One of four three-story turrets constructed of EXTREN® to housecommunications equipment atop the Sun Bank building in Orlando, Florida.

63' high freestanding fiberglass stairtower at Ft. Story Army Base, VirginiaBeach, Virginia.

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Markets

• Transportation• Electrical/Electrical Utility• Chemical Processing• Cellular Communications• Consumer/Recreation• Building Construction• Food and Beverage• Pulp and Paper• Oil and Gas

Bridges at the Sea Life Park in Waimanolo, Hawaii, use fiberglass structural supportsover saltwater dolphin tanks.

35' high platforms over tanks at Moffat Filter Plant in Denver, Coloradowere constructed of EXTREN® structural shapes.

Lightweight and RFI/EMI transparent, EXTREN® provides supportstructures for Cellular One of Ohio antennae installed on building roofsand towers.

• Water/Wastewater• Air Pollution Control• Aeronautical Defense• Plating• Agricultural• Appliance/Equipment

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Above: 24" EXTREN® fiberglass I-beams span 62' wide rigid gables thatsupport siding and roof of an all-fiberglass building used for computer testing.

Below: All-fiberglass tank loading platform uses multiple EXTREN® sections.

High strength EXTREN® was used to fabricate fiberglass floating docks forseepage pits at this landfill in Snohomish County, Washington.

This Well Bay Platform was easy to install requiring no heavy equipment,cutting torches or welding to make field modifications, thereby saving the costof shutting wells down.

Nonconductive feeder beams made of EXTREN® prevent power outages.

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Designing with EXTREN®

Design By Strongwell

Strongwell has on staff registered professional engineersexperienced in the design of fiberglass structures and systemsfor custom design requirements. Strongwell's extensive experi-ence in fabrication procedures, joint design and stress analysis ofcomposite assemblies combined with the use of Strongwellfiberglass products, results in structures of superior, cost-effective design and structural integrity. Clear, straightforwarddrawings of structures are provided to the customer for approvalbefore fabrication begins, unless customer drawings are pro-vided.

Design It Yourself

The EXTREN® Design Manual, developed by Strongwell, is themost complete reference guide in the industry and is used bymore engineers and architects than any other FRP engineeringguide. With over 300 pages of engineering data, it includesproperties of materials, beam and column load tables, empiricaldesign equations and sample calculations, connection details,and FRP product and fabrication specifications. It is based onyears of extensive product testing with EXTREN® fiberglassstructural shapes and years of experience in monitoring applica-tions.

WARNING!Fiberglass reinforced thermoset plastic composites are anonhomogenous material (i.e., their strengths and behavior aredependent upon the design of the composite and reinforcement).Other fiberglass structural shapes, with a similar exterior appearanceto EXTREN® shapes, are likely not equal in any other way includingglass content, glass placement, glass type, wet out, resin mixture orpull speed. Do not use the EXTREN® Design Manual to design astructure unless you assure that only EXTREN® structurals are used.

EXTREN® Product Logo

A product logo identification program has been implemented byStrongwell after designers and specifiers of EXTREN® learnedthat problems were occurring because sellers or contractors weresubstituting look-alike shapes.

Since July 1, 1993, all EXTREN® fiberglass structural shapes andplate have been imprinted with the EXTREN® logo every three feetdown the length of the part. Square and round tubes have thelogo imprinted inside the shape. Small and unobtrusive, the logoassures customers that they are getting EXTREN® propertiesbacked by corrosion, mechanical and structural testing asconducted by Strongwell.

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Fabricating with EXTREN®

EXTREN®. EXTREN® can be joined byadhesives. The strongest connectionscan be made by using a combination ofmechanical fasteners with adhesives.Suggested fabrication techniques forEXTREN® are covered in Strongwell'sEXTREN® Fabrication and RepairManual.

Material PreparationEXTREN® shapes and plate can besawed, drilled, routed and turned on alathe or other machine tool. Punchingshould be limited to thicknesses of3/16" and under. Carbide or diamond-tipped saw blades and tool bits arerecommended for faster speeds andlonger-tool life. Cut edges should alwaysbe sealed. EXTREN® cannot be bent,rolled or pressed as can steel.

In addition to being the world's largestproducer of pultruded parts, Strongwell isalso the largest fabricator of structuresutilizing pultruded components.

Typical fabrications include beam, columnand plate structures, all-fiberglassbuildings using foam core panels,platforms and other custom fabricationsinvolving grating and handrail. SpecializedOEM-type structures such as flue gasdesulfurization components, over-the-horizon-radar space frames and wastewa-ter structures can also be accommodated.Hand lay-up capabilities complement thecorporation's structural fabricationcapability.

JoiningEXTREN® can be fastened mechanicallywith screws, bolts or rivets. FIBREBOLT®

fiberglass studs and hex nuts (availablefrom Strongwell) can also be used with

EXTREN® sections can be joined mechanically orwith adhesives.

Beams are prepped before bonding connectionstogether.

Strongwell has trained personnel at two fabricationfacilities to take your drawings and/or design towhatever prefabrication stage you choose.

Bolts and adhesives are used for efficient connections inEXTREN® structures.

EXTREN® may be painted for better protectionagainst long-term exposure to the sun.

Prefabrication of support beams can includebonding predrilled angles and plate for connections.

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Process

EXTREN® is manufactured by thepultrusion process. In its simplestterms, pultrusion is the process ofpulling fiberglass (or other) rein-forcements through a “bath” ofthermosetting resin and into aheated forming-and-curing die toproduce composite structuralshapes. Reinforcement placement,resin formulation, catalyst levels, dietemperature and pull speed arecritical process parameters. Strong-well is one of the poineers of thepultrusion process with over 50pultrusion machines in several plantlocations across the United States.

Strongwell's 350,000 sq. ft. Bristol, Virginia facility is the world's largest pultrusionoperation.

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Quality and Availability

Quality for EXTREN® is defined as “conformance to publishedspecifications”. A “first article” series of tests on each EXTREN®

production run is designed to assure the end user that thestructural members meet or exceed published minimum criteria.Increasingly, both incoming materials and manufacturingprocesses are subjected to QA/QC techniques involving statisti-cal process control. While distributors stock the most popularshapes of EXTREN® for immediate delivery to their customers,Strongwell also maintains a large inventory to service distribu-tors and prevent long lead times to end users.

Left: Strongwell's strict quality assuranceprogram requires all raw materials to betested before being accepted for process-ing.

Right: Strongwell's SATEC Microproces-sor-Based Automatic Testing System is aphysical testing workhorse.

Bottom: Strongwell's laboratory andresearch facility is large, well-equipped andprofessionally staffed.

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Properties

MECHANICALTensile Stress, LW D638 psi 30,000 30,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000

MPa 207 207 138 138 138 138 138 138

Tensile Stress CW D638 psi 7,000 7,000 7,500 10,000 10,000 7,500 10,000 10,000MPa 48 48 51 68 68 51 68 68

Tensile Modulus, LW D638 106 psi 2.5 2.6 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8MPa 17250 17940 12420 12420 12420 12420 12420 12420

Tensile Modulus, CW D638 106 psi 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.9 1.4 1.0 1.0 1.4MPa 5520 5520 4830 6210 9660 6900 6900 6900

Compressive Stress, LW D695 psi 30,000 30,000 24,000 24,000 24,000 24,000 24,000 24,000MPa 207 207 165 165 165 165 165 165

Compressive Stress, CW D695 psi 15,000 16,000 15,500 16,500 20,000 16,500 17,500 17,500MPa 103 109 106 113 137 113 120 120

Compressive Modulus, LW D695 106 psi 2.5 2.6 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8MPa 17250 17940 12420 12420 12420 12420 12420 12420

Compressive Modulus CW D695 106 psi 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0MPa 6900 6900 6900 6900 6900 6900 6900 6900

Flexural Stress, LW D790 psi 30,000 30,000 35,000 35,000 30,000 35,000 35,000 30,000MPa 207 207 241 241 207 241 241 207

Flexural Stress, CW D790 psi 10,000 10,000 13,000 15,000 18,000 13,000 15,000 18,000MPa 69 69 89 103 124 89 103 124

Flexural Modulus, LW D790 106 psi 1.6 1.6 1.8 2 2 1.8 2 2MPa 11040 11040 12420 13800 13800 12420 13800 13800

Flexural Modulus, CW D790 106 psi 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.4 1.0 1.1 1.4MPa 5520 5520 6210 7590 9660 6900 7590 9660

Modulus of Elasticity,Ex or Ey 1 full section 106 psi 2.6 2.8MPa 17940 19320

Modulus of Elasticity, W & I shapes>4" full section 106 psi 2.5 2.5

Compressive Shear Stress, LW 2 D3846 psi 3,000 3,000MPa 20 20

Shear Modulus, LW 3 (Nominal) — 106 psi 0.425 0.425MPa 2932 2932

Short Beam Shear, LW D2344 psi 4,500 4,500MPa 31 31

Bearing Stress, LW D953 psi 30,000 30,000 32,000 32,000 32,000 32,000 32,000 32,000MPa 207 207 220 220 220 220 220 220

Poisson's Ratio, LW (Nominal) D3039 in/in 0.33 0.33 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.32 0.32 0.32

Notched Izod Impact, LW D256 ft-lbs/in 25 25 18.5 20 20 18.5 20 20N•m/m 1334 1334 987 1067 1067 987 1067 1067

Notched Izod Impact, CW D256 ft-lbs/in 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5N•m/m 213 213 266 266 266 266 266 266

PHYSICALBarcol Hardness D2583 — 45 4 45 4 40 40 40 40 40 40

24 hr Water Absorption D570 % Max 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6

Density D792 lbs/in3 .062-.070 .062-.070 .060-.068 .060-.068 .060-.068 .060-.068 .060-.068 .060-.068kg/m3 1716-1937 1716-1937 1660-1882 1660-1882 1660-1882 1660-1882 1660-1882 1660-1882

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion D696 10-6 in/in/oF 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4(Nominal) — 10-6 in/in/oC 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0

Thermal Conductivity (Nominal) C177 BTU-in/ft2Hr/oF 4 4w/(m *k) .58 .63

1 This value is determined from full section simple beam bending of EXTREN® structural shapes.2 The shear stress test results will change radically if the notched orientation is altered. The value in this

chart represents the test configuration where the notches are machined parallel to the reinforcing mat.For notches machined perpendicular to the reinforcing mat, this value would be two to three timeslarger.

3 The Shear Modulus value has been determined from tests with full sections of EXTREN® structuralshapes. (See Strongwell's EXTREN® Design Manual for further information.)

4 Value would be 50 if the surfacing veil were not there.5 Plate compressive stress/modulus measured edgewise and flexural stress/modulus measured flatwise.6 Values apply to Series 525 and 625.7 All listings beginning with a 'D' or 'E' are ASTM tests.

LW = Lengthwise or parallel to the rovings PF = Tested perpendicular to laminate faceCW = Crosswise or perpendicular to laminate face N.T. = Not TestedMPa = Megapascals

SERIESTEST UNITS/ 500/525 SERIES 625 SERIES 500/525 PLATE 5 SERIES 625 PLATE 5

PROPERTIES METHOD 7 VALUE SHAPES SHAPES 1/8" 3/16" - 1/4" 3/8" - 1" 1/8" 3/16" - 1/4" 3/8" - 1"

All values are minimum ultimate properties from coupon tests except as noted.

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ELECTRICALDielectric Strength, LW D149 KV/in 35 35

Dielectric Strength, PF D149 volts/mil 200 200

Volume Resistivity (Nominal) D257 ohms-cm 1x1013 1x1013 1x1013 1x1013 1x1013 1x1013 1x1013 1x1013

FLAMMABILITY 6Flammability Classification (1/16") UL 94 VO

Tunnel Test E-84 25 Max

NBS Smoke Chamber E-662 650-700(Typical)

Flammability D635 Self Extinguishing

UL Thermal Index Generic 130oC

British Fire Test B5 476-7 Class 1

• ASTM D3917 "Standard Specification for Dimensional Tolerance of ThermosettingGlass-Reinforced Plastic Pultruded Shapes".

• ASTM D3918 "Standard Definition of Terms Relating to Reinforced PlasticPultruded Products".

• ASTM D3647 "Standard Practice for Classifying Reinforced Plastic PultrudedShapes According to Composition".

• ASTM D4385 "Standard Practice for Classifying Visual Defects in ThermosettingReinforced Plastic Pultruded Products".

ASTM SPECIFICATIONS

Options

Strongwell offers a broad range of fiberglass industrial products. Two otherproducts often used with EXTREN® are SAFPLATE® and FIBREBOLT®. A briefdescription of each is given here. Full-color brochures are available for eachproduct.

SAFPLATE®

SAFPLATE® fiberglass gritted plate, is a tough, corrosion resistant floor plate.A unique combination of pultruded fiberglass plate and anti-skid grit surfaceprovides a textured solid sheet flooring that is ideal for both wet and dryapplications. Used in a variety of applications, such as trench covers to containvapors and fumes, or pedestrian bridge walkways for sure footing, SAFPLATE®

provides a long lasting maintenance free alternative to steel plate for severe,corrosive environments.

SAFPLATE® is available as solid plate or bonded to DURADEK® or DURAGRID®

grating. The grit surfaces can be fine, medium or coarse. It is available in 4' x 8'panels in all standard EXTREN® plate thicknesses: 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and3/4". The standard SAFPLATE® is fiberglass reinforced polyester with fire retardantin a gray color. Other resin systems and custom colors are available uponrequest.

FIBREBOLT®

FIBREBOLT® fiberglass studs and nuts are ideal for applications requiringmechanical fasteners that must be non-corrosive, non-conductive and/ortransparent to electromagnetic waves. FIBREBOLT® studs are machined frompultruded fiberglass vinyl ester rods. The hex shaped nut is thermoplastic. Theyare easily assembled with a standard six point socket wrench.

FIBREBOLT® studs and hex nuts are available in diameters of 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4"and 1" for immediate delivery. Four foot bolt lengths are standard, with customlengths and partial length threading available on request. Brown is the standardcolor. The studs and nuts have UV inhibitors to provide resistance to ultravioletdegradation and corrosion.

SAFPLATE®, a solid anti-skid flooring, helps reduce workerslips and falls in both wet and dry applications.

FIBREBOLT® is widely used as a replacement for metallicfasteners in structures that must be non-conductive and/ortransparent to electromagnetic waves.

SERIESTEST UNITS/ 500/525 SERIES 625 SERIES 500/525 PLATE 5 SERIES 625 PLATE 5

PROPERTIES METHOD 7 VALUE SHAPES SHAPES 1/8" 3/16" - 1/4" 3/8" - 1" 1/8" 3/16" - 1/4" 3/8" - 1"

BRISTOL DIVISION*400 Commonwealth Ave., P. O. Box 580, Bristol, VA 24203-0580 USA

(540) 645-8000 Fax (540) 645-8132*EXTREN® manufacturing location

CHATFIELD DIVISION1610 Highway 52 South, Chatfield, MN 55923-9799 USA

(507) 867-3479 Fax (507) 867-4031

www.strongwell.com

ISO-9001 Certified Manufacturing Plants

Availability List

Wide Flange Beams3 x 1/44 x 1/46 x 1/46 x 3/88 x 3/810 x 3/8 (32' lg.)

2 x 1/88 x 1/210 x 1/212 x 1/2

Round Tube1 x 1/81-1/4 x 1/81-1/2 x 1/81-1/2 x 1/42 x 1/82 x 1/42-1/2 x 1/43 x 1/4

3/4 x 3/161-1/4 x 3/161-3/8 x 3/161-3/4 x 1/81-3/4 x 1/42-3/4 x 1/42-3/4 x 3/83 x 1/83-1/2 x .1403-1/2 x 1/24 x 1/84 x 1/45 x 1/85 x 1/46 x 1/86 x .1566 x 1/48 x 3/1610 x 3/16

Square Bar -Thermal Cure Clear1/2"5/8"3/4"1"1-1/4"1-1/2"

Rod -Thermal Cure Clear1/4"3/8"1/2"5/8"3/4"13/16"7/8"1"1-1/8"1-1/4"1-1/2"1-7/8"2"

I-Beams3 x 1-1/2 x 1/44 x 2 x 1/48 x 4 x 3/8

2 x 1 x 1/86 x 3 x 1/46 x 3 x 3/86 x 4 x 1/48 x 4 x 1/210 x 5 x 3/810 x 5 x 1/212 x 6 x 1/2 (Stock S-525)18 x 3/8 x 4-1/2 x 1/224 x 3/8 x 7-1/2 x 3/4

FIBREBOLT®

Studs and NutsStocked in 4' lengthsSize: 3/8", 1/2", 5/8",

3/4", 1"

Square Tube1 x 1/81-1/2 x 1/82 x 1/82 x 1/42 x 1/4 (Yellow; Series 525)3 x 1/44 x 1/4

1-1/4 x 1/81-1/2 x 1/41-3/4 x 1/8 **1-3/4 x 1/4 **2-1/2 x 1/4(Stock Yellow;S-525)3 x 1/83 x 3/84 x 3/86 x 3/8

Unequal Leg Angles1-3/4 x 1-1/4 x 1/4

Channels2 x 9/16 x 1/83 x 7/8 x 1/44 x 1-3/8 x 3/164 x 1-1/8 x 1/45 x 1-3/8 x 1/46 x 1-5/8 x 1/48 x 2-3/16 x 3/810 x 2-3/4 x 1/2 (24' lg.)

1-1/2 x 1 x 3/161-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 1/4 (Stock S-625)2 x 7/8 x 1/42-5/8 x 1/8 x 1-1/4 x 3/163 x 1 x 3/163-1/2 x 2 x 7/324 x 1-1/16 x 1/86 x 1-11/16 x 3/8 (Stock S-500)8 x 2-3/16 x 1/414 x 3-1/2 x 3/418 x 2-3/16 x 3/1624 x 3 x. 260

Equal Leg Angles1 x 1/81-1/4 x 3/161-1/2 x 3/161-1/2 x 1/81-1/2 x 1/42 x 3/162 x 1/43 x 1/43 x 3/84 x 1/44 x 3/84 x 1/26 x 1/2

1-1/4 x 1/82 x 1/85 x 1/26 x 1/4 (Stock S- 525)6 x 3/8

Plate1/8"3/16"1/4"3/8"1/2"3/4"

5/8"1"

Rectangular Tube4 x 1/8 x 2 x 1/4

2-1/2 x 1-5/8 x 1/83-1/4 x 2-1/2 x .1606-1/2 x 1/4 x 2 x 1/27 x 4 x 1/4

H-Section3-1/2 x 1-9/16 x 1-1/2 x 1/4

Hat Section3-1/2 x 1-7/8 x 2 x 1/8

Square Tubew/Round Hole1" sq. with 3/4" round hole1" sq. with 5/8" round hole1-1/2" sq. with 1" round hole

Stair Riser8 x 1-1/2 x 1/8

Top Rail2 x 1/4 modified rd. tube

Z-Section1-1/4 x 2-1/2 x 1/8

Kick Plate4 x 1/2 x 3/16(Yellow; S-525)

Slide Guide2-1/2 x 2-1/4 x 1/4(White; S-500)

Square Tube2 x .156 (Yellow; S-625)

Strut1-5/8 x 1-5/8 x 5/32(Gray; S-525)

Corner Post3-1/4 x 1/4

Curb Angle1 x 1-1/21-1/2 x 1-1/22 x 1-1/2(stocked atChatfield Division)

F-Section5-1/2 x 1 x 1/46 x 1-1/2 x 1/4

Flat Bar.25 x .25.25 x .75.25 x .812

Flat Strips1 x 1/42 x 3/16 (Stock Yellow; S-525)2 x 1/43 x 3/163 x 1/2

Flight Channel5-1/4 x 1/8 x 2-1/2 x 3/167-1/8 x 1/8 x 2-1/2 x 3/16

Foam Core Planks4 x 25 x 26 x 28 x 2

Framing Angle2 x 2 x 1/4

Special Pultruded Shapes

Custom PultrusionsStrongwell produces custom pultrusions in manyshapes and materials for hundreds of customers.The listing on this page is only a partial listing ofdies owned by Strongwell.

Additional Sections are frequently added andmodifications to existing sections may be possible.For special needs contact your EXTREN® distributor.

STOCKED NONSTOCKED

**1-3/4 x 1/8 and 1-3/4 x 1/4 Square Tubes are undersized to allow telescoping.

NOTE: All EXTREN® Series 500 products can be produced to meet NSF potablewater standards in minimum mill run quantities. Only products bearing the NSFlogo are certified.

R10M0300©Strongwell