Architectural concrete reinforced with fibreglass (known under the name of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete – GFRC or GRC), is a building material used primarily in facades of buildings, as well as for the production of usable and decorative elements. This product group includes, among others, floor panels, claddings, kitchens and bathroom countertops, window sills, architectural details and small garden architecture objects.

What does GFRC (GRC) consist of?

In terms of composition, GFRC does not differ much from its traditional counterparts – in both cases we are dealing with a composite resulting from mixing water with an aggregate (usually sand), a binder (cement) and suitable additives.

The obvious difference is the presence of fibreglass reinforcement. In a traditional reinforced concrete, the steel reinforcement takes over tensile stress, while the concrete takes over compressive stress. Likewise, with GFRC – lightweight and durable fibreglass transports tensile stress, while the concrete mass protects fibres from corrosion, UV radiation, variable temperatures or impurities, and it also transfers compressive stress.

Where can GFRC (GRC) be used?

The presence of glass fibres in GFRC makes it light and plastic, and thus easy to model. Of course, the use of GRC for the construction of structural elements (such as load-bearing walls, ceilings or binders) is not a good idea. Remember, however, that it is a material that works well as a building material for facades, wall panels, claddings, countertops or interior furnishings – bathtubs, washbasins or even regular furniture. Of course, GFRC can be used in private homes as well as in public places – in buildings, parks, etc.

The most common applications of glassfibre reinforced concrete are panels placed both on the facades of buildings and in the interiors of flats. In addition, the facade elements – columns, window strips or external friezes – are also made of GRC. The GFRC composite can also be used as a cladding material in tunnels or as a material from which decorative pavement and paving plates are made.

GFRC (GRC) concrete products

Panels, flagstones, window strips, columns or friezes are not the only products that can be made of GFRC. This material is also a very interesting solution for monuments, small garden architecture, furniture or even lamps. The plasticity of GFRC is also an asset, for example when building skateparks or creating various patterns on the surface of the panels.

Where to find suppliers of building materials such as GFRC (GRC)

If you are looking for GRC contractors and material suppliers in the UK, we invite you to use the services of GFRC Beton. We have been operating since 1978 and are currently one of the leaders in the construction industry based on GRC technology.