GFRC is made by combining a mixture of fine sand, cement, polymer, water, other admixtures and alkali-resistant (AR) glass fibers.
GFRC has been used to produce products including thin architectural cladding panels, ornamental concrete features such as domes, statues, planters, and fountains. GFRC has also been used to make decorative panels, concrete countertops, and artificial rock work etc.
There are many benefits of GRFC, including:
- Lighter weight: With GFRC, concrete can be cast in thinner sections and is therefore as much as 75% lighter than similar pieces cast with traditional concrete.
- High strength: GFRC has a very high strength-to-weight ratio. Glass fibers create high tensile strength while the high polymer content makes the concrete flexible and resistant to cracking.
- Reinforcement: GFRC is reinforced internally, allowing the omission of additional reinforcements, which can be difficult to place into complex shapes.
- Toughness: GFRC doesn’t crack easily-it can be cut without chipping.
- Surface finish: Because it is sprayed on, the surface has no bugholes or voids.
- Cost: GFRC as a material, however, is much more expensive than conventional concrete if compared purely on a weight to weight basis. However due to thinner cross sections required, costs can be overcomed.
Some online resources for GFRC include:
- Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
- Stromberg Architectural Products
- The Glassfiber Reinforced Concrete Association
In Singapore, there are a number of specialist for GFRC:
weech
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