Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP)
Since the 1990s, zero rated fibreglass has been available and has been used in such items as the Tangara train seats (for which we also designed the injection moulds) and other areas where fire rating is essential. The strength and flexibility of GRP allows for its use in façades and other indoor and outdoor applications.
GRP is used extensively for swimming pools. Rickard Engineering was responsible for designing the first free standing fibreglass swimming pool requiring no support from any soil or other structure.
Other commissions have included the design of seats for a grandstand at Randwick Race Course, the canopy to the lookout tower in Newcastle and agitation tanks for the manufacture of gelatine.
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
Rickard Engineering provided the engineering input for the new ‘Ahmad Bin Ali’ Football Stadium in Qatar, together with the GRP roof panels for the 8 “dune” buildings which surround the Stadium, where the 2022 FIFA World Cup was held.
Ahmad Bin Ali is a fascinating and complex project with regard to the differing GRP shapes designed and hence variations in connections to cater for the variety of shapes.
Ar-Rayyan, Qatar
Doha, Qatar
Rosewood
Setting the benchmark for ultra-luxury hotels in the region, Doha’s ‘Rosewood’ is a key focal point of the city’s skyline. Rickard Engineering is proud to have provided the structural design for the striking GRP facades of the two towers, which were inspired by the coral reefs in the seas surrounding it. The complex will be one of the city’s most dynamic culinary and hotel destinations and introduces 300 residences boasting modern luxury.
Destination
Rickard Engineering completed the concept to design for the Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) podiums panels on this project. The GRC panels are up to 4m long x 4m wide. Transport, lift and installation had its challenges. GRC was shop drawn and manufactured by Precast Concrete Brisbane. The GRC panels are supported by a steel frame with a GRC skin. The façade consisted of all different shapes and sizes to meet the architectural intent.
Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Ar-Rayyan, Qatar
Ceremonial Court
Charles Rickard first visited Qatar in 1980. His first project was a royal palace for the Emir built around 1980. Working for White Young in London, Charles spent time in Rome working with architect Sandro Petti. The palace was built on a new island just off the coast of Qatar. Since that time he has revisited Doha on many occasions.
In more recent years his involvement has been related to GRC. The Ceremonial Court was part of a technical educational facility project for the Queen. Built by Redco, a local Qatar GRC company, Charles undertook the design on behalf Rickard Hails Moretti in 2005.