GRC GUIDE
GRC Advantages
Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in the world. Conventional compositions typically consist of a simple mixture of cement, fine aggregate, water and admixtures which often leaves much to be desired in terms of performance and aesthetics.
This is why, for many construction projects, Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) is specified.
GRC consists of a very similar composition with the addition of one key component: AR Glass Fibre. The incorporation of these fibres puts GRC leagues ahead of conventional concrete in terms of its tensile strength, lightweight nature, durability, longevity and aesthetic versatility.
Let’s break down the 7 key attributes that make GRC the superior material…
GRC: A Superior Alternative to Conventional Concrete
1. Lightweight
Despite having a similar density to conventional concrete, Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete achieves remarkable reductions in weight due its thin 10-15mm skin thickness.
For instance, a cladding panel made from 100mm thick precast concrete would weigh 240kgs per m², while a similar GRC panel weigh only 40-50kgs per m².
Such reductions in weight means that often GRC products can be easily lifted and carried by hand, a highly advantageous attribute given stringent manual handling regulations in many countries.
2. Eco-Friendly
Whilst the labelling of GRC as a definitive ‘green’ material may be contentious due to its cement content, it undeniably exhibits a number of environmentally friendly characteristics that have led the material to be used in many contemporary sustainable construction projects. In fact, a study carried out by the UK Government’s DETR/Concrete Alliance ‘Partners in Technology’ project found that, compared to its precast concrete equivalent, GRC has a far lower environmental impact by a factor as high as 60%.
You can read the full list of GRC’s green credentials in our GRC Guide, click here.
3. Superior Strength, Durability & Longevity
The key component of GRC’s robust composition is Alkali Resistant Glass Fibre. These work as the principal load-carrying component of the composite, forming homogenous dispersed reinforcement throughout the concrete – in other words, the fibres greatly enhance the tensile & flexural strength of the concrete.
In certain cases, the fibres yield results with 30% greater tensile strength than steel which often negates the requirement for additional steel rebar reinforcement. This results in the formation of thinner products that demonstrate superior mechanical properties whilst maintaining a far lighter weight.
A properly designed, manufactured and installed GRC element can achieve a lifespan well in excess of 80 years whilst requiring minimal maintenance. Even under significant loads and stress conditions, GRC panels maintain structural integrity over time as the fibres redistribute tensile forces, reducing the likelihood of cracking and structural failure occurring.
4. Aesthetic Versatility
One of the wider appeals of GRC is its ability to replicate virtually any surface details and reproduce the appearance of materials such as stone, slate, terracotta and marble. Such an advantage allows manufacturers to produce products that demonstrate the aesthetic properties of traditional materials yet embody the beneficial mechanical properties of GRC.
Examples include replicating carved stonework features (which traditionally require specialised skills and extensive labour) and brickwork (which traditionally is a time-consuming process and has been significantly affected by labour shortages in recent years). Using GRC as an alternative, these labour-intensive approaches can be eliminated as elements can be efficiently manufactured and formed into thin sections facilitating easy handling and fixing.
Long-term, these elements demonstrate far superior longevity in comparison to heritage materials and, in cases where repairs or replacements are required, the modular nature of GRC enables fixes to be made conveniently.
You can see the full array of GRC’s aesthetic capabilities in our GRC Case Study series, click here to view.
5. Cost-Effective
Whilst the initial manufacturing costs of GRC can be higher compared to conventional concrete due to the requirement for advanced production equipment, over the long-term the overall savings become evident – notably in reduced handling, transport and fixing expenses. The low maintenance requirements of GRC products also facilitates further cost savings over time.
The manufacturing costs of GRC can be further mitigated though the use of advanced batching equipment, such as liquid dosing systems and dry material batching plants. These work to reduce material wastage resulting from human error and enabling manufacturers to buy materials in bulk at a cheaper rate.
6. Weather Resistant
Exposure to the elements can have a severe impact on the aesthetic and mechanical performance of traditional concrete; faced with harsh climatic conditions these products often display cracks, visual inconsistencies and discolouration.
While conventional concrete may be limited in terms of weather-resistance GRC, on the other hand, demonstrates a number of resilient characteristics that help it stand up to the elements:
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7. Incombustible
GRC formulations are designed to meet stringent non-combustible standards mandated by UK and EU regulations, ensuring ‘safety compliance’ in construction applications.
While polymer GRC doesn’t qualify as non-combustible, it meets the rigorous Class O requirements specified by British Building Regulations, offering reliable fire performance.
Want to Learn More?
For a more detailed breakdown of the technical advantages and applications of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete, we recommend visiting the techNotes section of the GRCA’s website. There you can find technical papers written by some of the GRC industry’s top minds, click here to view.
