Gfrc

building material

1. GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE BUILDING MATERIALS

2. GRC COMPOSITE MATERIAL Composites are a combination of two or more materials. One material is in the form of a fiber, called the reinforcement. The other is a formable solid, called the matrix. The region where the reinforcement and matrix meet is called the interface. Composite properties are determined by chemical and mechanical interaction of the combined materials .

3. GFRC HISTORY GFRC was originally developed in the 1940’s in Russia, but it wasn’t until the 1970’s that the current form came into widespread use. GRC has been making a significant contribution to the economics, technology, and aesthetics of modern construction worldwide for over 30 years. GFRC # It is a composite of Portland cement, fine aggregate, water, acrylic co-polymer, glass fiber reinforcement and additives. # The GFRC results in a product with much higher tensile strengths than normal concrete. # It is a lightweight, durable material that can be cast into nearly unlimited shapes, colors and textures. # GRC products can be formed into sections as thin as 6 mm (1/4 inch) so their weight is much less than traditional precast concrete products.

4. Highly durable and safe Design freedom since GFRC is able to be molded into almost any shape and color Requires very low maintenance Installation is quick and cost effective Weather and fire resistant Economical Energy efficient BENEFITS OF GFRC

5. It is a great material for restoration of old buildings and is used for the exterior of the buildings. It is also being used extensively for walls and ceilings. GFRC is lightweight and is about 75% lighter than traditional concrete. The tensile strength gives it a high strength to weight ratio. The reinforcement for this concrete is internal and does not need additional reinforcements. Heavy duty or expensive equipment is not necessary when pouring or spraying GFRC. It is easy to cut and is very difficult to crack. GFRC is very adaptable in that it can be poured or sprayed. ADVANTAGES OF GFRC

6. DISADVANTAGES OF GFRC There is no ductility. Ductility is a solid material ’ s ability to deform under stress. The cost of GFRC is higher than traditional concrete. Due to the fiberglass being inside the concrete and the addition of additives and acrylic co-polymer the price is steeper. GFRC is difficult to self-mix. Generally, a contractor will mix and pour or spray this type of concrete.

7. GFRC CASTING METHOD TWO METHODS ARE : SPRAY UP PREMIX SPRAY UP Spray-up is similar to shotcrete in that the fluid concrete mixture (minus fibers) is sprayed into the forms. The concrete is sprayed out of a gun-like nozzle that sprays a separate stream of long fibers. Glass fiber is fed off of a spool in a continuous thread into the gun, where blades cut it just before it is sprayed. Chopped fiber lengths tend to be much longer (about 1.5”) than fibers that get mixed in,. Typically Spray-up is applied in two layers. The first layer is the face coat, much like a gel-coat in fiberglass. This face coat usually has no fibers in it and is thin, often only about 1/8” thick. The second, or backer layer has the fiber in it. The action of spraying on the fibers orients them in a thin layer, much like the layers in plywood.

8. PREMIX Premix, on the other hand, involves mixing shorter fibers in lower doses into the fluid concrete. This mixture is either poured into molds or sprayed. Premix tends to be less strong than spray-up due to the shorter fibers and more random fiber orientation.     Spraying the face coat       Face coat ready for backer mix Hand packing backer on upright

9. USES OF GFRC GRC IN BUILDINGS It can be molded to form modern futuristic designs or to replicate traditional historic features. GRC can be painted, colored or simply left with a natural white or grey, smooth or textured finish. Key features GRC products are lightweight, easy to handle and fast to erect GRC products reduce loadings on buildings leading to significant savings in superstructure and foundations GRC is excellent for reproduction and renovation GRC is environmentally friendly

10. GRC IN CLADDING It is one of the most popular materials used for creative prefabricated architectural cladding. GRC’s ability to be molded into thin, lightweight panels with a wide variety of shapes, forms and surface finishes Key features GRC is easily molded to reproduce shapes, details and textures GRC ’s high strength allows design of thin, lightweight cladding elements GRC can be colored with pigments, paints and natural stone facings GRC cladding can replace non-structural precast concrete.

11. GRC IN LANDSCAPING Seating, planters, kiosks, signs, statues and fountains, all benefit from being made in GRC with its ability to tailor shape, form and surface finish and to be aesthetically compatible with the chosen environment. Key features GRC is environmentally friendly GRC is durable against extreme weather conditions GRC products are lightweight and easy to handle GRC offers a wide variety of shapes and surface finishes

12. GRC IN ROOFING GRC is an ideal material to use on a variety of roofing structures. It is lightweight but tough, easy to fix and unaffected by environmental conditions. It can imitate traditional roofing materials such as slate, natural stone or clay products but unlike these materials it is neither heavy nor brittle. GRC can be molded into complex shapes for roofing accessories such as finials, ridges and chimneys. It is non-combustible with a high impact strength and can be used on all types of roof. Corrugated GRC sheets, used for industrial and agricultural roofing, are manufactured by automated processes. Key features GRC is impact resistant GRC can reproduce color and finish GRC products are lightweight GRC has excellent durability

13. GRC IN WALLS AND WINDOWS Molded GRC components such as window sills, window surrounds, cornices, door portals and columns can add decoration to residential and commercial buildings while also meeting functional needs. Standard prefabricated panels incorporating a choice of surface finish including exposed aggregate, natural stone and brick effect are possible. Key features GRC is easily moulded GRC products are quick to install GRC is durable and crack resistant GRC offers a wide range of surface finishes

14. GRC IN RENOVATION GRC is an ideal material for use in renovation. Thin lightweight panels are easy to fix and minimize the weight imposed on the existing structure. In many cases the opportunity is taken not only to improve the aesthetics of the building but also to improve the thermal and acoustic properties. Key features GRC preserves historic features GRC improves aesthetics GRC reduces the load on existing structures GRC enables thermal and acoustic properties to be upgraded

15. GRC IN FLOORS AND FOUNDATION GRC can provide practical solutions in the construction of foundations and floors. As permanent formwork under suspended, in-situ concrete floors it can give economic benefits together with excellent appearance. In balcony slab construction, GRC can provide a pre-finished molded edge while simplifying construction. On ground floor concrete slabs, insulated GRC edge formwork can help in minimizing heat loss from the building in cold climates. Similarly, in wall construction insulated GRC base course and sill units can be incorporated, which contribute to the overall wall insulation performance. On the construction site, forms of glass fibre -modified concrete can be used in floor screeding , both in relatively thick concrete screeds and in thin self-levelling overlays. Key features GRC permanent formwork protects concrete GRC floor screeds and overlays offer improved crack resistance over traditional finishes GRC insulated products improve thermal performance GRC improves concrete durability

16. GRC IN MODULAR BUILDINGS The qualities of GRC are shown to great advantage in the area of modular building. GRC panels are light and easily transported but also resistant to damage. Small units such as modular bathrooms or telecommunications equipment housings can be shipped in one piece and rapidly lifted into position. The strength of GRC is sufficient so that, even in thin skin construction, small modular buildings can be designed without heavy structural frames. GRC walls can incorporate thermal insulation if required, while the absence of steel reinforcement can be a benefit in electrical or telecommunications applications. Aesthetically, the full range of natural and applied finishes, and freedom of design, which characterize GRC permit solutions to satisfy any architectural requirement. Key features GRC enables rapid construction GRC products are lightweight and portable GRC provides a turn-key solution GRC products can improve thermal performance

17. GRC IN ACOUSTIC GRC has found favour with acoustics engineers worldwide as a primary choice for both internal and external acoustic barriers and screens. In road and railway construction, GRC noise barriers, which can either disperse or absorb sound, have provided nearby residents with a better environment. Key features GRC improves the environment GRC disperses or absorbs sound GRC is ideal for elevated structures GRC enhances the aesthetics

18. GRC IN BRIDGES AND TUNNEL Lightweight, durable GRC elements are frequently used in the world of bridges and tunnels. GRC parapet panels are used to provide aesthetically pleasing architectural features without burdening the structure with excessive weight. GRC panels can be manufactured with thin sections, which means that the encroachment into the open space of the tunnel is minimized. Key features GRC products are lightweight GRC is fire resistant GRC products are fast to fix GRC is functional and aesthetic

19. GRC IN WATER AND DRAINAGE GRC units can be manufactured with dense smooth surfaces that minimize resistance to water flow. Key features GRC is easy to handle and transport GRC is strong and durable GRC is fast to install GRC has low resistance to water flow

20. CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

21. FEATURES OF GFRC Sustainability GFRC panel construction produces less waste than precast panels and uses fewer natural resources. Since the fabrication is done in the factory, less job site waste is produced. And at the end of the long economic life of a GFRC clad building, the GFRC panels may be refurbished for re-use or crushed for recycling. Government studies have shown a significantly reduced impact with GFRC vs. precast concrete or other curtain wall and cladding options. Functional GFRC cladding is durable and low maintenance. GFRC offers the owner superior weathering performance and a high level of corrosion resistance. Wind Resistant GFRC panels can offer a high level of wind resistance and have proven themselves in category 5 hurricanes. Fire Resistant GFRC is made from non combustible material and offers a flame spread of 0. Thermal Insulation Insulation can be incorporated either as a lining to the internal face of a panel or as a core between two GFRC layers. Joints between GFRC panels are typically filled with silicone sealant.

22. GALLERY

23. Inference It is a great material for restoration of old buildings and is used for the exterior of the buildings. GFRC is lightweight and is about 75% lighter than traditional concrete. GFRC are used in buildings, cladding, landscaping, roofing, walls and windows, renovation, floors and foundation, modular building, acoustic, water and drainage and in bridges and tunnel. The reinforcement for this concrete is internal and does not need additional reinforcements. Heavy duty or expensive equipment is not necessary when pouring or spraying GFRC. It is easy to cut and is very difficult to crack. GFRC is made from non combustible material and offers a flame spread of 0. GFRC cladding is durable and low maintenance. GFRC offers the owner superior weathering performance and a high level of corrosion resistance. Insulation can be incorporated either as a lining to the internal face of a panel or as a core between two GFRC layers. Joints between GFRC panels are typically filled with silicone sealant. GFRC panels can offer a high level of wind resistance and have proven themselves in category 5 hurricanes. The GFRC results in a product with much higher tensile strengths than normal concrete. It is a lightweight, durable material that can be cast into nearly unlimited shapes, colors and textures. GRC products can be formed into sections as thin as 6 mm (1/4 inch) so their weight is much less than traditional precast concrete products.