GFRC
(Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete, GFRC, GRC, FRC)
This is an introduction into the world of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC), also referred to as Fiberglass Reinforced Concrete (FRC) and Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC). Since its introduction, GFRC has become extremely popular among the Architect and Design industry. Along with this popularity came some concerns about the quality of the material, and how best to use GFRC. To eliminate these concerns, Stromberg compiled this information to better educate those interested in GFRC.
A new concept of material was brought from England to the United States in 1976; a product now known as Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. GFRC is composed of concrete, reinforced with glass fibers to produce a thin, lightweight, yet strong material. Stromberg, with its history of expertise in concrete and composites casting, was one of the first GFRC producers in the USA and continues to lead the industry. Stromberg developed many of the techniques and technology used in GFRC. By late 1978, GFRC jobs were being sold and installed on construction projects in North America.
The material offered several benefits to architects and designers:
- GFRC has superior fire retardant properties.
- GFRC offers a variety of shapes (similar to what terra cotta, carved stone or precast concrete offer, but at a much reduced weight).
- GFRC is lightweight.
- GFRC can replicate Terra Cotta, granite, limestone, cast stone or other hard to use materials.
Glass fiber reinforced concrete ( GFRC ) also called GRC or FRC is a cementitious, composite material, cast in thin shell shapes for use in construction. Consisting of Portland cement, aggregate, water, alkali-resistant glass fibers, polymer and additives, the GFRC mix design is custom engineered depending on the requirements of the GFRC project and the GFRC part.