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Introduction to GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) and its Benefits
If you aren’t yet familiar with glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), you should be. GFRC is a specialized form of concrete. It’s a cement-based composite material reinforced with alkali-resistant glass fibers.
The fibers serve a purpose similar to the reinforcing steel in reinforced concrete, and they also add flexural, tensile and impact strength. As a result, GFRC can be used to produce strong, lightweight architectural concrete products such as building panels.
It can also be used to create decorative concrete products such as façade wall panels, fireplace surrounds, vanity tops and concrete countertops due to its unique properties and tensile strength. Most concrete countertop professionals use GFRC as their technique of choice due to its versatility, strength and lighter weight.
One of the best ways to truly understand the benefits of GFRC is to take a deeper look into this unique compound.
GFRC is similar to chopped fiberglass (the kind used to form boat hulls and other complex three-dimensional shapes), although much weaker. It’s made by combining a mixture of fine sand, cement, polymer (usually an acrylic polymer), water, other admixtures and alkali-resistant (AR) glass fibers.
Some of the many benefits of GFRC include:
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Ability to Construct Lightweight Panels– Although the relative density is similar to concrete, GFRC panels can be much thinner than traditional concrete panels, making them lighter.
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High Compressive, Flexural and Tensile Strength– The high dose of glass fibers leads to high tensile strength while the high polymer content makes the concrete flexible and resistant to cracking. Proper reinforcing using scrim will further increase the strength of objects and is critical in projects where visible cracks are not tolerable.
What is GFRC?
About the Product
Stromberg HPGFRC (high performance glass fiber reinforced concrete) is a thin, light, strong material for wall panels and shapes for interior or exterior applications, wall cladding, soffits, spandrels and entire facades. It is available in smooth, textured or sculpted panels in both standard panel sizes and, on request, custom designs and sizes.
Features and Benefits
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Up to 20 times the impact strength of ordinary concrete.
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At 1/2" thickness, HPGFRC is 10 times lighter than ordinary 6" concrete panels.
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More freedom for designers, more options, less weight, and nearly unlimited customization options.
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Lower installation costs and less load on the structure.
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Space saving - thinner walls means more usable and leasable space.
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Reduced environmental impact.
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Panel sizes customized to your project.
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Completely non-combustible
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Durable enough to withstand hurricane-force wind loads, seismic loads, and fire.
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World's largest selection of pattern, color, and texture options...
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...and of course the ability to create your own patterns or textures.
Uses and Applications
You can use HPGFRC both outdoors and in. Use it for building exteriors, wall-cladding, soffits, spandrels, accent panels, balcony surrounds, ceilings, and roofs. It can be used underwater and in severe freeze/thaw exposures.
Attachment
Installation
There are three basic attachment systems for HPGFRC:
Z-clip system
Aluminum z-shaped extrusions are attached to the substrate and these interlock with the mated clip on the back of the panel.
Plate and Screw system
Utilizes a concealed screw attachment at the joints between panels.
Adhesive attachment system
Utilizes structural silicone.
