ICCM1 V2 3

The British chemical industry has been utilizing glass-fibre reinforced plastics (GRP) for nearly two decades, leading to the need for a systematic design approach to ensure reliability and economic efficiency. This paper presents a new design method specifically for tanks and pressure vessels made of GRP, highlighting the importance of understanding the unique properties of these materials compared to traditional steel. Traditional methods of pressure vessel design, predominantly based on the concept of design stress, have proven satisfactory for metal alloys; however, the authors argue for a tailored approach to accommodate the characteristics of laminate construction. The method is codified in the British Standard for Vessels and Tanks in Reinforced Plastics, issued in 1973, which is supported by nearly three years of practical application before its official release. By establishing a framework that ensures the load-carrying capacities of each layer within a laminate meet or exceed the actual loads, the proposed method aims to minimize manufacturing issues and enhance service performance. This work underscores the critical advancements in design protocols necessary to optimize the use of GRP in engineering structures.