GFRC - Style GFRC
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Glass-fibre Reinforced Concrete is the generic term for a high-strength composite stone made with cement mortar (primarily a mixture of cement and sand) reinforced with bundled
strands of glass fibre filaments.
Un-reinforced concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension. This is why reinforcement is added. Precast concrete is typically reinforced with steel, but precast concrete
products are heavy because of their overall thickness.
The term 'concrete’ is technically correct but misleading because the glass fibres in the mortar greatly increase product strength while dramatically reducing product weight
The advantages and benefits of GRC
GRC combines the high strength of glass fibre with the rigidity of concrete. The resulting composite is a tough, rigid material that has a strength-to-weight ratio superior to most other
commonly-used building products.
Other advantages and benefits of GRC include:
- Mouldable - GRC can be moulded to accurately reproduce almost any small or large shape (eg. curves, patterns, reliefs, etc).
- Colour - GRC products can be manufactured using different cements (eg. white, off-white, grey) that can be coloured with oxide.
- Impact resistant - GRC products are highly durable. They will not shatter upon impact, and any localized damage can usually be repaired.
- Weather-proof - GRC will not rust or rot, needs no painting, and because it contains no steel it will not corrode or expand. GRC dos not suffer from traditional concrete cancers.
- Water resistant: GRC is virtually impermeable to water thus making it ideal for products such as planters and water-features. Usually no additional waterproofing is required.
- Chemical resistant - the high density and high cement content of GRC give a higher chemical resistance than other cement based materials.
- Fire resistant: GRC does not bum or emit smoke when exposed to fire. This gives architects and designers greater flexibility in specifying components to satisfy fire performance requirements.
Environmentally friendly
The main constituents of GRC are based on the naturally occurring earth oxides that are used in the manufacture of cement and glass fibres. These are not generally regarded as pollutants.
The reduced weight of GRC compared to steel reinforced concrete products provides environmental benefits. The main reasons for the reduced environmental impact of GRC compared to traditional precast concrete are:
- Reduced cement usage per product
- Reduced transport costs
All of these advantages and benefits make GRC an ideal material for the manufacture of planters, planter boxes, street furniture, architectural mouldings and panels
