What is Grc?

Glass-fibre Reinforced Concrete is the generic term for a high-strength composite stone made with cement mortar (primarily a mixture of cement, sandand a polymer) reinforced with alkali-resistant (AR) glass fibres.
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Unreinforced concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension.  This is why reinforcement is added.  Precast concrete is typically reinforced with steel, but precast concrete products are heavy because of their overall thickness.  

The glass fibres used in GRC help give this unique compound its strength. Alkali resistant fibres act as the principle tensile load carrying member, while the polymer and concrete matrix binds the fibres together and helps transfer loads from one fibre to another. Without fibres GRC would not possess its strength and would be more prone to breakage and cracking.

The term ‘concrete’ is technically correct but misleading because the glass fibres in the mortar greatly increase product strength while dramatically reducing product weight.  This lightweight feature of GRC also makes it safer and easier to handle on site, and reduces loads on structures when installed.Glass-fibre Reinforced Concrete is the generic term for a high-strength composite stone made with cement mortar (primarily a mixture of cement, sandand a polymer) reinforced with alkali-resistant (AR) glass fibres.
THE ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS OF GRC

GRC combines the high strength of glass fibre with the rigidity of concrete.  The resulting composite is a tough, rigid material that has a strength-to-weight ratio superior to most other commonly-used building products. Other advantages and benefits of GRC include: 
  • ​Mouldable 
         GRC can be moulded to accurately reproduce almost any small or large shape (eg. curves, pattersn, reliefs etc). 
  • ​Colour          
         GRC products can be manufactured using different cements (eg. white, off-white, grey), that can be coloured with oxide.
  • Impact Resistant
         GRC products are highly durable. They will not shatter upon impact, and any localised damage can usually be repaired.
  • Weather-proof 
         GRC will not rust or rot, needs no painting, and because it contains no steel, it will not corrode or expand. GRC does not suffer from traditional                      concrete cancers.
  • Water Resistant
         GRC is virtually impermeable to water thus making it ideal for products such as planters and water features. Usually no additonal waterproofing is                required.
  • Chemical Resistant
         The high density and high cement contect of GRC give a higher chemical resistance than other cement based materials.
  • Fire Resistant
         GRC does not burn or emit smoke when exposed to fire. This gives architects and designers greater flexibility in specifying components to satisfy for            performance requirements.
  • Environmentally Friendly
         The main constituents of GRC are based on the naturally occuring earth oxides that are used in the manufacture of cement and glass fibres. These              are not generally regarded as pollutants.
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The reduced weight of GRC compared to steel reinforced concrete products provides environmental benefits.  An assessment carried out as part of a UK government-DETR/Concrete Industry Alliance ‘Partners in Technology’ project compared two precast concrete and GRC products that fulfil the same function.

The results show that GRC has a lower environmental impact (around 40% less).  The main reasons for the reduced environmental impact of GRC compared to traditional precast concrete are:
  • Reduced cement usage per product
  • Reduced transport costs
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All of these advantages and benefits make GRC an ideal material for the manufacture of planters, planter boxes, street furniture, architectural mouldings and panels.