| GFRP Composites | Steel | Aluminium | Wood | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Resists chemicals & Insect damage | Subject to oxidation & Corrosion | Can cause galvanic corrosion | Can rot & decay when exposed to moisture, water & Chemicals |
| Density (g/cm3) | 1.9-2.1 | 7.85 | 2.7-2.8 | 0.3-0.7 |
| Electrical Conductivity | Non-conductive | Conducts electricity | Conducts electricity | Can be conductive when wet |
| Thermal conductivity | Good insulator with low thermal conductivity | Conducts heat | Conducts heat | Low thermal conductivity |
| Impact resistance | Will not permanently deform under impact | Can permanently deform under impact | Easily deforms under impact | Can permanently deform or break under impact |
| Cost | Lower installation & maintenance cost and longer product life allow for a lower life cycle cost | High life cycle cost | Comparable price to GFRP | Wood is cheaper but also much more susceptible to degradation, causing higher maintenance costs lifecycle cost |
| EMI/RFI Transparency | Transparent to radio waves & EMI/RFI transmissions | Can interfere with EMI/RFI Transmissions | Highly reflective to EMI/RFI Transmissions | Transparent |
| Fabrication | Because of low weight, GFRP allows for considerable flexibility in terms of design. No welding are required | Require welding. heavier material requires special equipment to erect & Install | Good machinability | Can be field-fabricated using simple carpenter’s tools |