What is Glass Reinforced Concrete?

Glass Reinforced Concrete

GRC (glass reinforced concrete) is also sometimes known as GFRC (glass fibre reinforced concrete) and this is in some ways a better name for it as it is glass fibre that is used to give the concrete extra strength and also a very substantial weight reduction. The process has been used for some twenty five years and has proved itself to be very hard-wearing in use, keeping its looks as well as its structural integrity. It is made by spraying an enriched cement and aggregate mix onto a matrix of alkali resistant glass fibres, which are the ‘skeleton’ of the product.

Glass vs steel

Glass fibre as a matrix has much to recommend it over steel. Firstl, it will never rust through, and this is the secret to the long-lasting looks of GRC. Glass reinforced concrete is also around 80% lighter than steel reinforced concrete, making it much easier to work with, move around and store. Its main advantage comes in its flexibility in use – it can be made in virtually any shape and is perfect for any facade that requires a decorative finish, because it can be moulded into shape at the early stages of manufacture so that there is no need for any decorative work to be done after a project is completed, making it cheaper as well as more durable. Glass reinforced concrete installers simply add the panels to the building as it is constructed in one job. If restoration is ever required, the original moulds can be used for a new GFR panel and so there will be no obvious difference from the original and the replacement; this makes the material a perfect choice for any building that is going up in phases, for the same reason.

Green credentials

Because GRC is so much lighter than most other conventional building materials, it is very environmentally friendly with lower CO2 emissions in its manufacture. It also takes less fuel to move it around as a lorry can carry more units to its axle load. Its light weight also means that the supporting frame if the building can be reduced and even the foundations don't have to be so extensive, saving on fuel for digging, delivery and construction. Glass reinforced concrete installers can advise construction companies on the savings that can be made once the plans are in and the calculations made, but they are likely to be substantial. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) gives glass reinforced concrete an A+ material rating so GRC is a very popular material for any architect or building firm which has a reputation for environmental awareness. Not all materials which appear at first sight to be environmentally friendly are in fact so when everything, including building longevity, is taken into account, but when using glass reinforced concrete installers know that not only have they saved CO2 emissions in its manufacture, but its transport and utilisation is also energy efficient.

 

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Testimonials

"Shaun and his team have always carried out works for Octagon in a respectable manner, and with a very professional attitude as well as achieving the very best results in the work asked of them, as is required by ourselves on our prestigious developments."
Ted Birch // Octagon
"Shaun & his GRC compnay are very reliable and trustworthy and also very easy to communicate with which is a good asset. I would definitely be pleased to have Shaun on any of my sites in the future."
Robin Anderson // Millgate Homes
"We found Shaun to be hard working, conscientious, and thorough with all of his works, and given the opportunity would have no problems employing him for further future works. The works were carried out to a very high standard, as required within this prestigious are."
Steve Chase // Talbot Design

our working process in 3 steps

We can take a project from the first planning stage right through to the post-completion snagging and follow-up review.

MORE ABOUT US +

planning & strategy

As glass reinforced concrete installers, we know that using the material requires specialist project planning from the outset.

supply & install

Once the construction of the building is at the suitable stage, our experienced glass reinforced concrete installers will arrive at the site to add the panels to the structure.

follow up & review

All our projects include thorough quality control procedures and formal handovers to ensure client satisfaction.

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