steel design to structural fiberglass?

[auxblade]

I have a residence with beams designed as steel channels using AISD codes. I have been asked to relook at the using structural fiberglass shapes. It specifically states in the fiberglass manufacturers information that a FS = 2 should be used. How can I incorporate this into my calculations. Can I just utilize the section properties to determinen deflection and other capabilites?

Please help me approach this issue?

Thanks,
auxblade

Luke Leising
M.Architecture
B.S.Civil Engineering

 

[ishvaaag]

There are some concerns for this change. First if this change is allowed in the wanted way, mainly from the viewpoing of fire hazard. If it is allowed, and you only have to face a structural problem, the only question is to find the applicable procedures. Where I live, Spain, structural shapes made of plastics for structural applications at building level are unregulated, and once the referred other problems showed it was allowed, I would only face a technical problem. Hence, if you have some code specs, apply them. I think anything plastic must have significant longterm creep, but, see, carbon fiber wires has so low relaxation that can be used without any (noncontrollable) such problem. So someone must be selling these things and will have some recommendations. Make them warrant in written their recommended procedure for strength and deflection, and go for it, that is, if you are willing to comply with what asked.

Yet note you enter what is mostly uncharted field for building construction. Maybe naval guys can be of help.