Projects

Started

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Architecture and the Built Environment)

Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Environmental dimensions)

Project Contact
National Grid Electricity Transmission

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 June 2025

31 December 2026

ENA months

£201,405

Power

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Electricity Transmission

n this research, the main proposal is to explore the use of FRP reinforcement in foundations through following main stages:Literature review- to study physical and mechanical properties and their evolution over the products design lifeCase studiesMarket research- supply chain, availability and costDesktop analysis- In-house analysis to establish ULS and SLS characteristics, NationalGrids site requirement etc.Trial erection and testingData Quality Statement (DQS):?The project will be delivered under the NIA framework in line with OFGEM, ENA?and NGGT / NGET internal policy. Data produced as part of this project will be?subject to quality assurance to ensure that the information produced with each?deliverable is accurate to the best of our knowledge and sources of information?are appropriately documented. All deliverables and project outputs will be stored?on our internal?sharepoint?platform ensuring access control, backup and version?management. Relevant project documentation and reports will also be made?available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal and dissemination material will be?shared with the relevant stakeholders.??Measurement Quality Statement (MQS):??The methodology used in this project will be subject to our suppliers own quality?assurance regime. Quality assurance processes and?the source of data, measurement processes and equipment as well as data?processing will be clearly documented and verifiable. The measurements, designs?and economic assessments will also be clearly documented in the relevant?deliverables and final project report and will be made available for review.Add any certifications or other processes if knownLow RiskTRL Steps = 1 (1 TRL steps)Cost = (201,405)Suppliers = 1 (1 supplier)Data Assumption = 3 (Assumptions unknown to be explored and validated within project) When compared to traditional steel reinforcement, FRP is comparatively lightweight, offering several benefits including easier transportation, reduced site risks, and overall carbon savings. FRP production is less energy-intensive than the processes required for steel, resulting in lower embodied energy. Additionally, FRP manufacturing generates less waste, and advancements in recycling methods are improving its recyclability.Common Fibre reinforcements products available in the construction market:GFRP- Glass based Fibre Reinforced PolymerBFRP- Basalt based Fibre Reinforced PolymerCFRP- Carbon based Fiber Reinforced Polymer AFRP Aramid based Fiber Reinforced PolymerThe project will be divided into three stages: Feasibility Study, Detailed Desktop Analysis, and Trial Erection Analysis and Recommendations.1. Feasibility Study: The aim of the feasibility study is to establish the following results:Identify the most appropriate FRP reinforcement material for substation structures.Analyse different case studies and discuss any challenges and health and safety aspects.Conduct a literature review to assess code compliance, design standards, higher-level carbon studies, and the physical and mechanical properties of FRPs. Identify limitations impacting design, procurement, and installation.Determine short and long-term monitoring methods, both in-situ and laboratory, and gather feedback from relevant case studies.Perform a market analysis to study material availability, suppliers, cost, and procurement chain across the UK. Also, analyse product health and safety certificates.2. Detailed Desktop Study: With the chosen FRP from the feasibility stage, the most appropriate concrete elements will be identified in this stage. The following detailed analysis will be performed:Conduct a strength and serviceability assessment according to relevant National codes and NG specifications.Perform a detailed analysis of the fire resistance of the composite material.Study the electric and thermal conductivity of the material.Analyse substation safety during construction and throughout its lifespan, identifying any hazards.Perform Life Cycle Analysis of FRP and concrete elements.Provide overall recommendations on FRP and concrete elements.3. Trial Erection Analysis and Recommendations: Once the first two stages are feasible, a trial erection and further site/laboratory testing will be conducted to verify all results. A detailed report will be produced.Final report will be published with all the learning outcomes and will be shared with all the licensees. A dissemination event will present all the results to relevant stakeholders with the recommendations of certain technologies ready to use in business as usual (BAU). The work will be delivered in discrete stages each with a focus on different objectives linked to the overall aim to explore FRP reinforcement. This project is planned to take 18 months with the following major objectives: To develop an understanding of the different types of FRPs to allow for identification of usage cases, potential benefits, and readiness for construction trials.To review the technology and summarise the current state of knowledge, trends, challenges, and opportunities in utilising FRPs as alternatives to steel reinforcement.To review the current design codes and approaches to explore how they might be applied in the design of FRP reinforcement.Final recommendations to identify the potential benefits and implementation learning outcome.

In alignment with National Grid Electricity Transmissions (NGETs) objectives of achieving net-zero construction, we aim to evaluate the suitability of polymer rebars as a sustainable alternative to traditional reinforcement used in concrete structures to demonstrate these materials suitability. The aim of this project is to develop a proof of concept demonstrating that fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement can be developed and utilised as an alternative to steel reinforcement for foundations within substations. This study will identify the most appropriate FRP material to meet substation load and atmospheric conditions, considering factors such as electric and thermal conductivity, fire resistance, resistance to oil, and impact resistance due to short-circuits.

24/04/26