GFRC panels stands for Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete panels. The product is a new kind of building material. The main component is concrete consisting of short glass fibers instead of reinforcement.
GFRC panels are high quality new interior and exterior decoration materials. GFRC panels are fiberglass concrete (GFRC). Also known by various names such as Composite Ciment Verre. As a mixture of cement, refined aggregates, water, chemical additives and alkali-resistant glass fibers have been used quite commonly. Handcrafted by skilled hands of skilled craftsmen and architects. This product is capable of creating gentle, simple and artistic 3D effects….In particular, this is an environmentally friendly material. The energy consumption is much lower than other natural raw materials on the market.
So what is GFRC material? What are the advantages and disadvantages of GFRC sheets when applied in construction projects? MILLI TILES introduces to customers information about GFRC – Glass fiber reinforced concrete. A new type of building material is developing in Vietnam and the world today.
New construction materials summary- GFRC panels
GFRC is a new building material. Manufactured by injection molding and machine injection from a mixture of fine aggregates: cement, clean sand, clean water, alkali resistant fiberglass and plasticizers. Decorative GFRC panels have high durability. Diverse shapes, beautiful designs, natural colors. Has become a material that plays an important role in the economy, technology and aesthetics of the construction industry around the world.
GFRC was born in 1940 in the Soviet Union and was widely known around the world in the late 60s of the twentieth century. Over 70 years of construction and development. GFRC is growing stronger and being applied to famous projects in many countries. On the other hand, GFRC is also used in house construction. Bridges and roads and other civil construction fields.
In Vietnam, GRC was known in the late twentieth century. Currently, products such as decorative GFRC panels are available and enhance the aesthetic value of the construction industry. Through the introductory information about GFRC materials. You have somewhat understood the characteristics, properties and production techniques of this material.
What are GFRC panels?
GFRC panels are elements of GFRC in a designed shape that can be fix onto the substructure. For example these can be square, rectangular, trapezoidal or round. The size and shape is defined by the design of each particular project. GFRC panels can create standalone cladding or can be a part of united facade or a combined system.
GFRC panel sizes
There are no standard GFRC panel sizes.
We manufactured GFRC panels in smaller dimension. For example, 650x1350mm. Also, we produced panels which were 2500x1500mm. Some of the panels reached even 7m in length.
From the GFRC manufacturer point of view. This is the main advantage of the product. We do not stock any GFRC panels. Each GRC element is manufacture according to custom requirements. Of course some of the fixing systems can be transferred from one project to another.
The properties
GFRC panels is characterised by high resistance to live and dynamic loads. It is much more flexible than standard reinforced concrete. In certain conditions it is more resistant to cracks when compares to standard reinforced concrete.
How is glass fibre important to the quality process and manufacturing of GFRC panels?
For high quality GFRC concrete you need to make sure your glass fibre is also of great standard. We used glass fibres with high zirconia content. This amount ranged between 16-19%. Zirconia helps glass fibres to be alkali and acid resistant. Usually this type of glass fibre includes marking ARG – alkali resistant glass fibre. Part of quality process was to source the suppliers and dealers who certified zirconia content in their glass fibre.
Other properties of glass fibres which we inspected were:
- Young’s modulus of elasticity
- Strand tensile strength
- Filament diameter
Advantages and Disadvantages of GFRC decorative panels
Advantages
High bearing strength
The special feature of GFRC material is that it contains alkali resistant glass fibers and plasticizers mixed in the cement mortar. This helps the product to have higher bending and tensile strength than ordinary concrete. Decorative GFRC panels can with stand large forces and can be bent. Folding, wavy… are often uses on the facades of buildings.
GFRC products are thinner, lighter than concrete
Decorative GFRC panels can form products that are thinner, lighter than concrete. Without causing cracks, surface peeling. The product is often applies in the details of the facade of the building. And unique architectural details such as moldings, column tops and decorative details. The lightweight advantage of GFRC also helps to reduce the load on the building. Even large products.
GFRC panels are highly artistic
Because it is manufacturing by injection molding and molding. Therefore, the products created have high aesthetic value. The shape of the products is strictly control. The pattern details are uniform, not like hand casting. It depends on the skill of the craftsman to create the products and may still be inconsistent.
Can be shape in a variety of ways
They have a variety of shapes because the product is molde. Beautiful design, large and small size depending on each project. In addition, GFRC materials are easily former into many complex shapes. With curved, wavy, and folded surfaces. That traditional building materials cannot meet.
Materials with beautiful, natural colors
Each decorative GFRC panel is manufacturing from a pre-mixed concrete mix. Using natural sand grains, the color is very beautiful. Sharp like natural stone. Each different product can be color coordinate according to the wishes of the investor and each specific project.
Durable
GFRC products are finish products that have been waterproof. Acid washing and surface treatment before being put into use at the construction site should have very high durability. Using GFRC products helps the building to have good waterproofing and fire resistance. The surface is not affect by the weather environment. Keep the original color and minimize the maintenance costs. Decorative GFRC paneling contains alkali resistant fiberglass. Helps the product withstand the impact of salt, not corrode in the environment near the sea. Therefore, GFRC is suitable for projects such as resorts, hotels, restaurants, breakwaters, island projects.
Environmentally friendly
This product is an sunburnt material with a large proportion of ingredients originating in Vietnam. Particularly glass fiber and some additives are importance. This helps decorative GFRC panels meet the requirements of green standards for the project. Can replace other products and completely non-toxic to the environment.
Disadvantages
The mechanical properties of GFRC make it ideal for various requirements. However, one potential disadvantage for some users is the cost of GFRC.
GFRC panels can be expensive to use when compared to ordinary concrete. Of course, the added cost comes with additional strength and several other benefits. Already mentioned in previous sections.
Application of GFRC panels in modern building architecture
After learning the introductory information about decorative GFRC panels and the outstanding advantages of this material. We see that this is a material that is well applies to the construction industry today. So how is GFRC material applied in the construction industry in the world and in Vietnam?
In today’s countries, this material plays an important role in decoration and interior materials. Especially in areas with harsh climates. The weather often changes. Decorative GFRC cladding can survive and avoid any external influences. Materials always maintain sustainable aesthetics and features. The following are design ideas that have been create by construction units and architects from GFRC:
Works with high decorative application of GFRC panels:
- Concrete countertops, white fiber-reinforced kitchen island: Investors and customers always prefer pure white on the countertop. After using GFRC sheet, it helps to reduce the weight of the tabletop, while creating durability. Especially the pure white color that the aesthetic requirements put forth.
- Garden interior and exterior decoration: Because it can be molded into any shape. So GFRC panels are suitable for decorating every corner of the garden, aquarium, house wall, … anywhere there is light. Especially it can withstand harsh weather and is a material with high fire resistance.
- GFRC is applied at construction sites in details such as: GFRC facades, GFRC moldings. GFRC column head and garden decoration products, fine art.
Decorative GFRC panels offer freedom. Creativity and natural harmony for architecture. The diversity of this material creates space for personal realization. And unique of each project without any boundaries and limitations. GFRC facade panels can be in flat panel form. Or shaped details – linings, shutters, squares, corners, shutters, etc. The fiberglass reinforced concrete details are manufacture according to the customer’s size requirements.
Production methods of GFRC panels
There are three methods to produce Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete: Spray-up, Vibration casting and Hybrid Casting.
Spray-up GFRC
Spray-up GFRC is the conventional way to create precast concrete panels. In this method, the Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete is spray into a mold by hand.
A concentric chopper spray gun is used to spray long glass fibers into the concrete mix. The mixing occurs in the gun’s nozzle.
On average, this method contains a glass fiber content of about 5%, a higher fiber content than the usual concrete premix. This method requires skilled labor to be successful, and good quality equipment and quality checks of the work in progress.
Vibration Casting
The defining factor of vibration casting is the use of premix concrete. The premix concrete mixture is poured into a mold. Then the mold is vibrat so that the concrete achieves consolidation.
This method is simpler and cheaper than sprayed GFRC. However, the molds in this method should be watertight. Vibration casting should not be used with rock molds.
Hybrid Casting
Hybrid casting is the combination of spray-up and the use of a premix. A specialized spray head using a peristaltic pump is used to spray the concrete.
Hybrid casting introduces the benefits of spray-up GFRC and vibration casting. While sprayed GFRC requires highly skilled labor, hybrid casting is possible with moderate skill.
Due to using a spray instead of vibrations for the premix, the strength of the resultant concrete panel is higher than the vibration casting methods.
How Much Does GFRC panels Cost?
The cost of GFRC depends on many factors, such as:
- Whether you want GFRC precast or GFRC premix. Precast GFRC comes in a ready-to-install form matched to your required shape. In the case of GFRC premix, you will need to hire an expert who can use it correctly. Correct proportions and casting methods are crucial, and the tiniest oversight may ruin the final result.
- The GFRC manufacturing method. Hybrid, sprayed, or vibration casting? Hybrid is the go-to choice for most people since it offers a good balance between price and strength.
- The thickness and area of the GFRC panels.
The cost of GFRC panels generally comes as a price per square foot for a given thickness of GFRC. For an accurate idea about how much GFRC will cost youper square foot, you can read our detailed guide on GFRC pricing. GFRC panels can cost from around £100 up to even £500 or more. The higher the quality and performance requirements the more expensive they are.
An expert in the field of materials technology. Milli Tiles products are of high quality. We have the ability to customize materials to meet customer needs very quickly. An experienced design team is ready to adapt your ideas and accompany your projects. We are honored and look forward to helping you create the most perfect works. Make your wish come true. Please contact us to answer any questions about Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete GFRC panels need advice.
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