Our expert knowledge of FRP materials and failure modes allows us to quickly and accurately analyze minor to catastrophic equipment failures. FSE field investigation, laboratory materials testing, and engineering analysis provide reliable information so you can make sound, defensible decisions under pressure.
When fiberglass equipment or piping fails, the consequences can extend far beyond the visible damage. A leak, rupture, collapse, or delamination event can interrupt production, create safety concerns, damage surrounding assets, and raise urgent questions about the condition of similar systems still in service. In these situations, speed matters but so does technical accuracy.
Effective failure investigation in fiberglass systems requires more than general troubleshooting. FRP and other composite materials fail differently than metals, and the visible damage is often only part of the story. Root causes may involve a combination of design assumptions, fabrication variables, installation conditions, operating loads, environmental exposure, and maintenance history.
FSE is a specialist in FRP failure analysis and composite failure analysis, with the technical depth needed to evaluate failures from the material level to the system level. We do not rely on assumptions or surface-level observations. Our process is evidence-based, engineering-driven, and focused on helping you restore operation while reducing the risk of repeat failures.
On-site assessment of failed equipment, surrounding conditions, damage patterns, installation details, and operational context.
Review of drawings, specifications, design calculations, fabrication records, laminate details, and applicable project documentation.
Examination and testing of material samples to evaluate laminate condition, damage mechanisms, and evidence of degradation or defects.
Engineering review of whether the equipment or piping design was appropriate for the actual service conditions and loading demands.
Evaluation of inspection records, repairs, recurring issues, and maintenance practices that may have influenced failure development.
Analysis of prior leaks, overload events, process upsets, thermal cycles, surge events, or handling impacts that may be relevant.
Technical assessment of failure extent, affected systems, and implications for continued operation or shutdown decisions.
Structured determination of the underlying technical causes, contributing factors, and failure sequence.
Technical support and documentation for claims, disputes, or legal proceedings when needed.
Recommendations for repair, replacement, redesign, or operational changes to restore performance and prevent recurrence.
Self-performing a failure investigation or relying on generalist investigators can lead to incomplete findings, misdiagnosed root causes, and corrective actions that do not address the true problem. In FRP systems, hidden damage mechanisms or incorrect assumptions about composite behavior can result in undetected risks remaining in service.
FSE provides third-party FRP failure investigation services to give owners and operators an independent, technically grounded evaluation. Our role is to provide objective findings supported by field evidence, testing, and engineering analysis so your team can make decisions with confidence.
This independent approach is especially valuable when:
Our mission is to help you get back up and running quickly while establishing a solid technical basis for restoring confidence in your FRP equipment and piping systems.
FRP failure analysis is the technical investigation of why fiberglass-reinforced plastic equipment or piping failed. It typically includes field inspection, document review, materials testing, engineering evaluation, and root cause analysis to determine failure cause, extent, and impact on fitness for service.
A third-party FRP failure investigation is recommended when the cause of failure is unclear, the incident is significant, multiple parties are involved, or similar FRP assets may be at risk. Independent investigation helps provide objective findings and a reliable basis for recovery decisions.
FRP failures can result from a combination of factors, including design inadequacy, fabrication defects, installation stress, chemical exposure, thermal or surge loading, material degradation, and maintenance gaps. Many failures involve multiple contributing factors rather than a single cause.
FSE’s FRP failure analysis services may include site investigation, equipment inspection, document review, laboratory sample testing and forensics, design adequacy review, maintenance and incident history review, engineering evaluation, root cause analysis, and remedial engineering recommendations.
Yes. In addition to identifying the root cause of a current failure, FRP failure analysis can reveal broader risk factors affecting similar equipment or piping systems. These findings support better inspection planning, corrective actions, and long-term reliability improvements.
From collapsed storage tanks to ruptured piping, effective FRP failure investigation requires specific subject matter expertise and extensive experience to quickly and accurately determine cause and extent of failure, and impact on fitness for service.
At FSE, our mission is to get you back up and running quickly while providing a solid basis for reestablishing confidence in your FRP equipment and piping systems. Self-performing FRP failure investigation or using generalist investigators can result in undetected problems and misdiagnosed causes of failure. Rely on the FRP experts for dependable answers and effective failure recovery.
FSE is a trusted partner for accurate FRP failure investigation, objective root cause analysis, and practical engineering recommendations that help restore confidence in your equipment and piping systems.
Request a free initial consultation to discuss your FRP failure event and learn how FSE can support effective recovery, remedial engineering, and long-term reliability planning.
FSE expert inspectors, not just camera operators
Subject matter experts in the evaluation of in-service FRP equipment
Subject matter experts in the evaluation of in-service FRP equipment
Unbiased and clear technical perspective
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