Image : http://www.flickr.com
GFRP columns are crafted from a modern material that was invented just a few decades ago, but their designs are often inspired by the architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome. Classical Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer columns typically fall under one of five major classical orders. Read on to learn more about each type.
Composite GFRP Columns
As the name implies, Composite FRP columns are actually a blend of two orders: Ionic columns and Greek Corinthian columns. Composite Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer columns can be distinguished from the other major orders by their capitals. The portion crowning Composite GFRP columns is typically embellished with both scrolls and acanthus leaves. Composite columns are usually about 11 to 12 times higher than they are wide, making them thinner than those that are part of some of the other classical orders.
Greek Corinthian GRP Columns
The shafts of Greek Corinthian fiber reinforced polymer columns are quite slender, giving these elements a somewhat delicate appearance. These columns feature an elaborate design, and are decorated with acanthus leaves and attractive capitals that are shaped like inverted bells. Greek Corinthian columns are also often referred to as Temple of the Winds columns.
Roman Corinthian Fiber Reinforced Polymer Columns
Roman Corinthian GFRP columns are characterized by the two tiers of involved leaf designs that usually appear at the tops of these elements. The shafts of these classical columns are typically quite slender, and may be smooth or fluted.
Ionic GFRP Columns
Ionic Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer columns have a height to thickness ratio of approximately nine to one, which gives these columns a solid, strong appearance. They usually rest on supportive bases, and the shaft is often fluted. All four corners are embellished with scrolls, and Ionic GFRP columns can often be found on universities and other institutions of higher learning.
Greek Doric FRP Columns
Perhaps the most famous Doric columns in the world are those that were constructed for the Parthenon in Greece. This is the oldest type of classical column that is still manufactured today, and these columns can be distinguished by their simplicity of design. Greek Doric Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer columns are also considerably thicker than those that are part of other classical orders. The shaft is fluted, the capital is very plain in appearance, and bases are not used. The low height to width ratio of Greek Doric GFRP columns provides these elements with an unmistakable appearance of formidableness and strength.
Stromberg Architectural Products is the world's leading producer of GFRP columns and a number of other architectural elements. Visit http://www.strombergarchitectural.com/products/columns or http://www.strombergarchitectural.com/materials/gfrp for more information.
