GRC materials and applications in modern construction
GRC material has become one of the popular materials in the modern construction industry and has many different names such as: Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC), Cement mix verre (CCV), Concrete fiber reinforced concrete, takviyesi fiber reinforced concrete and GFB. So, we need to clearly understand what GRC material is? What are the advantages and disadvantages of GRC materials when applied in construction projects?
Vinh Cuu would like to introduce to customers information about GRC material – glass fiber reinforced concrete, a new construction material being developed in Vietnam today.
New construction materials – GRC or GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete). This is a material produced by molding and machine injection from a fine aggregate mixture of cement, clean sand, clean water, alkali-resistant glass fiber and plasticizer additives.
With high durability, diverse shaping capabilities, beautiful designs and natural colors, GRC has become a material that plays an important role in the economy, technology and aesthetics of the global construction industry.
GRC was born in 1940 in the Soviet Union and became widely known around the world in the late 60s of the twentieth century. After nearly 70 years of construction and development, GRC has grown stronger and been applied to famous projects in many countries. In addition, GRC is also used in building houses, bridges and roads and other civil construction fields.
Fiberglass was invented by Russell Games Slayter of Owens-Corning
In Vietnam, GRC became known in the late twentieth century. Currently, GRC products have made a significant economic, technical and aesthetic contribution to the country’s construction industry.
Notable features of GRC Material are the presence of alkali-resistant glass fibers and plasticizers combined in the cement mortar. This helps the product have higher bending and tensile strength than conventional concrete. GRC has the ability to withstand large forces and can create curved, folded, wavy shapes, etc., often used for facades of buildings.
In contrast to placing rebar only in the tensile zone of a precast concrete structure, fiberglass (like rebar) is present everywhere in the mortar layer of GRC materials. Fiberglass can be produced in sizes as small as 12mm, helping to significantly reduce the load of the project. Additionally, an additional advantage of fiberglass in GRC is that it does not corrode or rust, whereas this problem often occurs with reinforced concrete over time.
GRC can also create products that are thinner and lighter than concrete without causing cracks or peeling on the surface. These products are often used for facade details of buildings and unique architectural details such as cornices, column heads and decorative details. The lightweight advantage of GRC helps reduce the load on projects, including large-sized products.
| Material specifications | Unit | Production method Spray | Production method Premix |
| Compressive strength | MPa | 50-80 | 40-60 |
| Maximum bending strength | MPa | 20-30 | 10-20 |
| Elastic limit bending strength | MPa | 7-13 | 5-10 |
| In-plane shear strength | MPa | 20-30 | 4-6 |
| Out-of-plane shear strength | MPa | 7-12 | 4-6 |
| Shear strength between two faces | MPa | 2-4 | 4-6 |
| Tensile strength | MPa | 10-15 | 4-7 |
| Specific weight | kg / m3 | 1800-2100 | 1800-2100 |
GRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) has many advantages, including:
- High durability: GRC has better bearing capacity than traditional concrete. Glass fiber is used as a main component in GRC, helping to reinforce and increase the durability of the material. This allows GRC to withstand high loads and is more resistant to cracking.
- Ductility and flexibility: GRC has good ductility, allowing flexible shaping and creating complex architectural products. With GRC, it is possible to mold into unique and complex designs such as columns, pillars, facades and other decorative products.
- High aesthetics: GRC is capable of reproducing complex architectural details and can be molded into unique designs. With high aesthetics, GRC is often used in architectural and decorative works.
- Weather resistance and corrosion resistance: GRC has good weather resistance and is not affected by environmental influences. It is also resistant to corrosion, helping to increase the longevity and durability of GRC products.
- Light and easy to construct: GRC is lighter in weight than traditional concrete, helping to reduce the load on the project and make it easier to transport and construct.
- Color fastness: GRC has the ability to retain color for a long time and does not fade due to the effects of light and weather.
COMPARISON TABLE OF GRC CONCRETE AND TRADITIONAL CONCRETE
| Comparative characteristics | GRC concrete | Traditional concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Structure and composition | GRC is a type of fiber-reinforced concrete in which fiberglass is used as a primary component to provide strength and ductility. In addition to fiberglass, GRC also includes other ingredients such as cement, water, sand and additives. | Traditional concrete is made from a mixture of cement, sand, water and gravel or other aggregate. There are no fiberglass fibers or other reinforcing elements in traditional concrete. |
| Mechanical properties | GRC is more durable than traditional concrete thanks to fiberglass reinforcement. It has good crack resistance and higher bearing capacity. GRC also has good ductility, allowing flexible shaping and creating complex architectural products. | Traditional concrete has relative durability and good bearing capacity. However, it has a tendency to crack when subjected to high loads or temperature changes. |
| Aesthetics | GRC has flexible shaping capabilities and can be molded into unique and complex designs. It is also capable of reproducing complex architectural details such as columns, pillars, and facades. With high aesthetics, GRC is often used in architectural and decorative works. | Traditional concrete has a simpler aesthetic and less flexibility in shaping. It is often used in construction projects that require formal functions rather than aesthetic purposes. |
| Ứng dụng | GRC is widely used in construction projects such as cladding panels, partitions, tables and chairs and furniture, statues and decorations, stairs, railings and other architectural products. It is often used to create products with high aesthetics and durability. | Traditional concrete is used in general construction projects such as foundations, floors, walls and columns. It is often used in projects that require high strength and do not require high aesthetics. |
GRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) material has many applications in the construction field, including:
- Architectural works: GRC is widely used in the construction of architectural works such as buildings, bridges, stations, shopping centers, hotels, and other public works. With high aesthetics and flexible shaping capabilities, GRC allows the creation of complex and unique architectural products.
- Interior and exterior decoration: GRC is used to create interior and exterior decorative products such as columns, pillars, statues, vases, fountains, and other decorative products. With the ability to reproduce complex architectural details, GRC brings diversity and creativity in interior and exterior design.
- Walls and partitions: GRC has good load-bearing capacity and crack resistance, making it an ideal material for the construction of walls and partitions. GRC is also weather and corrosion resistant, which increases the longevity and durability of walls and partitions.
- Floors and foundations: GRC is highly durable and has good bearing capacity, making it suitable for use in floor and foundation construction. GRC is also lighter in weight than traditional concrete, helping to reduce the load on the project and ease the construction process.
- Environmental protection: GRC is a green and environmentally friendly material. It does not contain toxic substances and has a long lifespan, helping to reduce construction waste and protect the environment.
Overall, GRC materials have many applications in construction, from architectural works to interior and exterior decoration, walls and partitions, floors and foundations. GRC’s versatility and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice in the construction industry.
In Vietnam today, GRC materials are widely known, especially among professionals in the construction industry. The product ensures fast and convenient construction technology, bringing high aesthetics and durability to each project.
Some GRC construction materials commonly used in the Vietnamese market today include: GRC facades, architectural details such as cornices, column heads, structural details such as stairs, gene boxes. Interior decoration includes ceilings, indoor furniture, and sanitary equipment. Garden decoration includes flower pots, outdoor furniture and decorative arts such as reliefs and patterns.