The right pipe support selection is critical for the reliable operation of FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) piping systems – poorly designed supports can lead to leaks, failures, and costly unplanned downtime that may cost hundreds of thousands per day in lost production.
FRP piping has fundamentally different material properties than steel: it’s non-ductile and about one-tenth as stiff as carbon steel. That means supports designed for steel – often rigid and narrow, or simply using U-bolts – are unsuitable. Without proper support, FRP pipes are more prone to stress concentrations, cracking, or sagging under pressure and thermal loads.
Effective FRP supports must be snug-fitting, with larger bearing areas, high stiffness, and often feature elastomer-lined clamps to accommodate FRP’s surface irregularities and to insulate FRP from rigid steel. Additionally, FRP pipes should never rest directly on steel structures, and U-bolts alone are insufficient since they lack the surface area and flexibility needed, accelerating wear and failure.
Choosing the right support begins with engineering expertise. Maverick Applied Science’s experienced engineers design supports using advanced modeling to ensure proper fit, fabrication accuracy, and ease of installation. We offer a full range of options including base-supported slides, guides, anchors and hangers – available plain, painted, galvanized, or indeed fully custom-designed for specific needs.
This specialized approach differs significantly from traditional steel piping support strategies. For steel, supports often follow established, standardized guidelines with less concern for flexural issues; for FRP, every support must be precision-engineered for the material’s unique behavior. Maverick’s designs prioritize the long-term reliability of the entire FRP system, reducing failure risk and ensuring consistent throughput.
Maverick stands out by combining deep FRP expertise with practical, field-tested design and manufacturing. Our in-house catalog and customizable designs span dozens of material and finish options, and every support is backed by rigorous modeling and quality validation. That translates into supports that fit perfectly, perform reliably, and simplify installation – thus minimizing downtime and maximizing plant productivity.
By turning to Maverick Applied Science, plant operators can mitigate a key source of FRP system failure. Maverick’s proven, engineered support solutions are specifically tailored to FRP’s material characteristics. With over 30 years refining FRP support solutions and an unwavering commitment to avoiding unplanned outages, Maverick ensures that our pipe support designs deliver safety, reliability, and uptime – making us the ideal partner for any FRP piping project.