Table of Contents
Introduction of Glass Reinforced Concrete
Glass Reinforced Concrete or Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) is the type of concrete in which glass fiber is used to reinforce the concrete, same as steel in RCC concrete. This is a composite material made of cement, fine aggregates, polymers and alkali-resistant glass fibers. The use of glass fiber makes it lightweight; therefore, it is easily used where other heavyweight types of concrete cannot be used. GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) was innovated in the 1970s and first used in the United Kingdom (UK) as a lightweight facade material, and later on it became a very popular choice worldwide due to its durability, flexibility, and sustainability.
Uses of Glass Reinforced Concrete
Glass Reinforced Concrete generally used for manufacturing architectural products like wall panels, window surrounds, cladding panels, column covers, railings, pilasters, copings, domes , planters, bollards, urns and tables etc. In recent decades, it has become the material of choice for creative concrete applications such as countertops, furniture, sinks, fire pits, fireplace surrounds, decorative wall panels etc. GRFC is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Benefits of Glass Reinforced Concrete
Glass Reinforced Concrete has many benefits like design flexibility, lightweight composition, durability in diverse environments, enhanced tensile strength that makes it very popular choice worldwide. Some other benefits are as under:
- Light weight of GFRC panels make its transportation, handling, and installation easy while maintaining excellent structural integrity.
- Use of glass fibers increases its resistance to cracking, shrinking, and environmental degradation.
- Its ability to easy mold into different shapes and textures allows architects and designers to push creative boundaries.
- GFRC requires less raw material compared to traditional concrete. It also contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability in construction, aligning with green building practices.
- GFRC provides added fire resistant safety for buildings, making it a preferred choice for fire-resistant construction.
Manufacturing of Glass Reinforced Concrete
Glass Reinforced Concrete is the mixture of cement, fine aggregates, water, polymers and alkali-resistant glass fibers. Its manufacturing process involves the blending of cement, fine aggregates and polymers. Water is then added gradually and at last addition of glass fibers to ensure even distribution without damaging the fibers. After preparation of GFRC mix, its molding in required shape is the second step. GFRC mix is sprayed or poured into the mold, ensuring an even layer and proper compaction. Like traditional concrete curing is also done for GFTC and at last finishing work is done to get attractive aesthetic look.
