What is GRC and why it’s a viable option for your next project?
08/10/2024
WHAT IS GRC?
Glass fibre reinforced concrete or GRC for short, consists of high-strength glass fibres that are imbedded into a formulated mix of concrete. Resulting in an extremely strong, versatile and lightweight concrete product with many applications. The glass fibres within the mix act as strength medium whilst the other materials are the binding agents holding the fibres in place. The glass fibres we use are alkali-resistant, protecting them from any negative reactions to the alkalinity of the concrete and maximising longevity.
GRC’S APPLICATIONS – What can be made with GRC?
Glass fibre reinforced concrete is most commonly used in the architecture, landscaping and construction industries. Our products supply a multitude of projects such as mixed-use developments, multi-level residential, age care, restaurants, dining courts, hotels/resorts, shopping centres, commercial offices, childcare, schools, universities, hospitals, medical centres and many more.
GRC is extremely versatile and its applications vast. Below are just a few of it’s uses.
- Decorative elements: Ornamental moldings, sculptures, and architectural details
- Structural components: Load-bearing walls, beams, and columns
- Prefabricated panels: For modular construction and rapid assembly
- Landscaping features: Planters, benches, and water features
- Façade cladding: Exterior panels and finishes
- Interior and exterior furniture: Tables, chairs, and other furnishings
- Streetscaping: Signage, bus shelters, and other urban elements
WHAT IS THE LIFETIME OF GRC?
Some concrete and GRC products can have a lifetime spanning 50 to 100 years depending on; the type of GRC, the application/use, and how dense the fibres were in production. Consequently, if the products are exposed to the elements, both environmental and human-use, this can accelerate the ageing process. Nonetheless, it is still highly likely that the GRC elements of your next project will outlive most other building materials on your build site.
At Quatro Design our entire GRC range is fire resistant and deemed NOT combustible according to independent testing criteria (specified in 3.4 of AS1530.1-1994 CSIRO). We also provide an Accessories Range such as waterproofing, drainage systems and regulators that can further improve the lifetime of your purchase.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRC AND CONCRETE?
Strength and weight are the two major differences.
GRC has a fortified strength due to its strategic blend of glass fibres. Whereas traditional concrete relies on the strength of the cement mix and aggregates. Whilst GRC is up to 80% lighter and 60% less resource intensive (Ferry and Parrott, 1999) than its traditional concrete equivalent, it also manages to maintain a higher durability with 30% greater tensile strength. With concrete presenting a much higher brittleness and inability to deal with movement, whether it be weather related (cold/wet conditions) or chemical exposure (acids, sulphates, salts etc). Making it a suitable choice for environmentally focussed projects. All these factors contribute to the breakdown and lack of tensile strength in concrete.
On face value GRC’s initial cost is higher but in the long term the cost savings will far outweigh the alternative of concrete due to upkeep, labour costs and transport.
GRC allows more design freedom for architects and engineers, working with a more malleable medium. Our current TRAQ range really exemplifies this potential for more expressive designs.
IN SUMMARY… WHY CHOOSE GRC?
The Advantages of GRC
- Strength – 30% greater tensile strength
- Lightweight – up to 80% lighter than concrete. Aiding installation and transport.
- Durable – due to the increased strength of the glass fibres. Weather, fire and crack resistant.
- Versatile – mouldability – malleable and intricate. Allowing for more expressive design freedom to architects, landscapers and landscape architects.
- Cost – taking into account upkeep the overall cost of GRC is far more economical than concrete.
- More Sustainable – GRC is the greener option over concrete due to a lower dependency on resources.
Speak with our sales team today to discuss using GRC in your next project. We also welcome custom work so hit us with your plans and we will run it by out design team. (02) 6672 1190
