Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC). Production of GRC or GFRC. Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GRFC) Industry
GRC or GFRC is made in thin concrete sections created by a proprietary process of machine spraying an enriched OP cement and aggregate mix within which alkali resistant glass fibres provide the reinforcement. Unlike steel, glass fibres will never rust and are placed throughout the thickness of the panels.
GRC is approximately 80% lighter than pre-cast steel reinforced concrete cladding, it offers greater versatility due to its superior compressive strength and most importantly its flexural properties. Due to the reduced weight it is environmentally friendly in comparison to pre-cast concrete with lower co2 emissions caused during manufacture. The emission reductions are significantly enhanced if the reduced load on the superstructure with the resultant economies in structural frame and foundations are taken in to account. GRC receives a BREEAM A+ material rating and is easy to handle and fast to erect due to its lightweight mounting on a range of bespoke support systems.
GRC is a composite material produced by reinforcement of a cementitious matrix with alkali resistant glass fibres. It can be produced in different grades, according to its flexural strength, and therefore its range of application is very wide. In its basic form, it is used to produce simple ornamental items; while in its high-tech version, it is the preferred construction material to produce large, thin-walled structural elements of very complex shapes.