A SEMINAR REPORT

On

GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE

A seminar report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of
Degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING

Submitted by

YAMIN SHABIR
21011A0173
Under the guidance of

Dr.K.MANJULA VANI
(Professor)
&

Mr. K. ASHOK
(Assistant Professor(c))

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

JNTUH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

HYDERABAD
KUKATPALLY, HYDERABAD 500085

2021-2025
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my gratitude to Dr .K .MANJULA VANI

professor civil engineering department for her constant guidance,
valuable suggestions and encouragement throughout the process of
Seminar
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. K. ASHOK for his
precious guidance and help. And last but not the least I would like to
thank our peers for their continuous support.
 ABSTRACT
Glass Fibre Reinforced concrete is a recent introduction in the field of concrete
technology. It has been extensively used in over 100 countries since its introduction in 1980’s.
this product is covered by international standards and has been practiced all over the world.
GFRC has advantage of being light weight and there by reducing the overall cost of construction
there by bringing economy in construction . this work is only an accumulation of information
about GFR from all over the internet and some text books.
GFRC is concrete that uses glass fibres for reinforcement instead of steel. It is typically
cast in a thin section of around 1/2" to 3/4". Since the fibres cannot rust like steel, there
is no need for a protective concrete cover thickness to prevent rusting. With the
thin, hollow construction of GFRC products, they can weigh a fraction of weight
of traditional precast concrete.
INTRODUCTION
Fiber Reinforced Concrete can be defined as a composite material consisting of mixtures
of cement, mortar or concrete and discontinuous, discrete, uniformly dispersed suitable fibers.
Continuous meshes, woven fabrics and long wires or rods are not considered to be discrete
fibers.
Fiber is a small piece of reinforcing material possessing certain characteristics properties.
They can be circular or flat. The fiber is often described by a convenient parameter called
“aspect ratio”. The aspect ratio of the fiber is the ratio of its length to its diameter. Typical aspect
ratio ranges from 30 to 150.
Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) is concrete containing fibrous material which increases
its structural integrity. It contains short discrete fibers that are uniformly distributed and
randomly oriented. Fibers include steel fibers, glass fibers, synthetic fibers and natural fibers.
Within these different fibers that character of fiber reinforced concrete changes with varying
concretes, fiber materials, geometries, distribution, orientation and densities.
Fibre-reinforcement is mainly used in shotcrete, but can also be used in normal concrete.
Fibre-reinforced normal concrete are mostly used for on-ground floors and pavements, but can
be considered for a wide range of construction parts (beams, pliers, foundations etc) either alone
or with hand-tied rebars
Concrete reinforced with fibres (which are usually steel, glass or “plastic” fibres) is less
expensive than hand-tied rebar, while still increasing the tensile strength many times. Shape,
dimension and length of fibre is important. A thin and short fibre, for example short hair-shaped
glass fibre, will only be effective the first hours after pouring the concrete (reduces cracking
while the concrete is stiffening) but will not increase the concrete tensile strength

EFFECT OF FIBRES IN CONCRETE

Fibres are usually used in concrete to control plastic shrinkage cracking and drying
shrinkage cracking. They also lower the permeability of concrete and thus reduce bleeding of
water. Some types of fibres produce greater impact, abrasion and shatter resistance in concrete.
Generally fibres do not increase the flexural strength of concrete, so it can not replace moment
resisting or structural steel reinforcement. Some fibres reduce the strength of concrete.
The amount of fibres added to a concrete mix is measured as a percentage of the total
volume of the composite (concrete and fibres) termed volume fraction (V f). Vf typically ranges
from 0.1 to 3%. Aspect ratio (l/d) is calculated by dividing fibre length (l) by its diameter (d).
Fibres with a non-circular cross section use an equivalent diameter for the calculation of aspect
ratio. If the modulus of elasticity of the fibre is higher than the matrix (concrete or mortar
binder), they help to carry the load by increasing the tensile strength of the material. Increase in
the aspect ratio of the fibre usually segments the flexural strength and toughness of the matrix.
However, fibres which are too long tend to “ball” in the mix and create workability problems.
Some recent research indicated that using fibres in concrete has limited effect on the
impact resistance of concrete materials.This finding is very important since traditionally people
think the ductility increases when concrete reinforced with fibres. The results also pointed out
that the micro fibres is better in impact resistance compared with the longer fibres.

NESSECITY
1. It increases the tensile strength of the concrete.
2. It reduce the air voids and water voids the inherent porosity of gel.
3. It increases the durability of the concrete.
4. Fibres such as graphite and glass have excellent resistance to creep, while the same is not
true for most resins. Therefore, the orientation and volume of fibres have a significant
influence on the creep performance of rebars/tendons.
5. Reinforced concrete itself is a composite material, where the reinforcement acts as the
strengthening fibre and the concrete as the matrix. It is therefore imperative that the behavior
under thermal stresses for the two materials be similar so that the differential deformations of
concrete and the reinforcement are minimized.
6. It has been recognized that the addition of small, closely spaced and uniformly dispersed
fibers to concrete would act as crack arrester and would substantially improve its static and
dynamic properties.
FACTORS EFFECTING PROPERTIES OF FIBRE REINFORCED
CONCRETE
Fiber reinforced concrete is the composite material containing fibers in the cement matrix
in an orderly manner or randomly distributed manner. Its properties would obviously, depends
upon the efficient transfer of stress between matrix and the fibers. The factors are briefly
discussed below:

1. Relative Fiber Matrix Stiffness

The modulus of elasticity of matrix must be much lower than that of fiber for efficient
stress transfer. Low modulus of fiber such as nylons and polypropylene are, therefore, unlikely to
give strength improvement, but the help in the absorbsion of large energy and therefore, impart
greater degree of toughness and resistance to impart. High modulus fibers such as steel, glass and
carbon impart strength and stiffness to the composite.
Interfacial bond between the matrix and the fiber also determine the effectiveness of stress
transfer, from the matrix to the fiber. A good bond is essential for improving tensile strength of
the composite.

2. Volume of Fibers
The strength of the composite largely depends on the quantity of fibers used in it. Fig 1.1
and 1.2 show the effect of volume on the toughness and strength. It can see from Fig 1.1 that the
increase in the volume of fibers, increase approximately linearly, the tensile strength and
toughness of the composite. Use of higher percentage of fiber is likely to cause segregation and
harshness of concrete and mortar.
Fig. 1 Effect of volume of fibers in flexture.

Fig. 2 Effect of volume of fibers in tension.

3. Aspect Ratio of the Fiber
Another important factor which influences the properties and behavior of the composite
is the aspect ratio of the fiber. It has been reported that up to aspect ratio of 75, increase on the
aspect ratio increases the ultimate concrete linearly. Beyond 75, relative strength and toughness
is reduced. Table 1.1 shows the effect of aspect ratio on strength and toughness.
Table 1.1 Aspect ratio of the fiber

Type of concrete Aspect Relative strength Relative toughness

ratio

Plain concrete 0 1 1

With 25 1.5 2.0

Randomly 50 1.6 8.0

Dispersed fibers 75 1.7 10.5

100 1.5 8.5

4. Orientation of Fibers
One of the differences between conventional reinforcement and fiber reinforcement is
that in conventional reinforcement, bars are oriented in the direction desired while fibers are
randomly oriented. To see the effect of randomness, mortar specimens reinforced with 0.5%
volume of fibers were tested. In one set specimens, fibers were aligned in the direction of the
load, in another in the direction perpendicular to that of the load, and in the third randomly
distributed.
It was observed that the fibers aligned parallel to the applied load offered more tensile
strength and toughness than randomly distributed or perpendicular fibers.

5. Workability and Compaction of Concrete

Incorporation of steel fiber decreases the workability considerably. This situation
adversely affects the consolidation of fresh mix. Even prolonged external vibration fails to
compact the concrete. The fiber volume at which this situation is reached depends on the length
and diameter of the fiber.
Another consequence of poor workability is non-uniform distribution of the fibers.
Generally, the workability and compaction standard of the mix is improved through increased
water/ cement ratio or by the use of some kind of water reducing admixtures.

6. Size of Coarse Aggregate

Maximum size of the coarse aggregate should be restricted to 10mm, to avoid appreciable
reduction in strength of the composite. Fibers also in effect, act as aggregate. Although they have
a simple geometry, their influence on the properties of fresh concrete is complex. The inter-
particle friction between fibers and between fibers and aggregates controls the orientation and
distribution of the fibers and consequently the properties of the composite. Friction reducing
admixtures and admixtures that improve the cohesiveness of the mix can significantly improve
the mix.

7. Mixing
Mixing of fiber reinforced concrete needs careful conditions to avoid balling of fibers,
segregation and in general the difficulty of mixing the materials uniformly. Increase in the aspect
ratio, volume percentage and size and quantity of coarse aggregate intensify the difficulties and
balling tendency. Steel fiber content in excess of 2% by volume and aspect ratio of more than
100 are difficult to mix.
It is important that the fibers are dispersed uniformly through out the mix; this can be done by
the addition of the fibers before the water is added. When mixing in a laboratory mixer,
introducing the fibers through a wire mesh basket will help even distribution of fibers. For field
use, other suitable methods must be adopted.
DIFFERENT TYPE OF FIBERS
Following are the different type of fibers genrally used in the construction industries.
1. Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
2. Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced (PFR) cement mortar&concrete
3. Glass-Fiber Reinforced Concrete
4. Asbestos Fibers
5. Carbon Fibers
6. Organic Fibers

1. Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete:-

A no of steel fiber types are available as reinforcement. Round steel fiber the commonly
used type are produced by cutting round wire in to short length. The typical diameter lies in the
range of 0.25 to 0.75mm. Steel fibers having a rectangular c/s are produced by silting the sheets
about 0.25mm thick. Fiber made from mild steel drawn wire. Conforming to IS:280-1976 with
the diameter of wire varying from 0.3 to 0.5mm have been practically used in India. Round steel
fibers are produced by cutting or chopping the wire, flat sheet fibers having a typical c/s ranging
from 0.15 to 0.41mm in thickness and 0.25 to 0.90mm in width are produced by silting flat
sheets. Deformed fiber, which are loosely bounded with water-soluble glue in the form of a
bundle are also available. Since individual fibers tend to cluster together, their uniform
distribution in the matrix is often difficult. This may be avoided by adding fibers bundles, which
separate during the mixing process.

2 Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced (PFR) cement mortar&concrete.-

Polypropylene is one of the cheapest & abundantly available polymers polypropylene
fibers are resistant to most chemical & it would be cementitious matrix which would deteriorate
first under aggressive chemical attack. Its melting point is high (about 165 degrees centigrade).
So that a working temp. As (100 degree centigrade) may be sustained for short periods without
detriment to fiber properties.
 Polypropylene fibers being hydrophobic can be easily mixed as they do not need lengthy
contact during mixing and only need to be evenly distressed in the mix.
Polypropylene short fibers in small volume fractions between 0.5 to 15 commercially
used in concrete.

Fig.3 Polypropylene fiber reinforced cement-mortar & concrete.

3. Glass-Fiber Reinforced Concrete:-

Glass fiber is made up from 200-400 individual filaments which are lightly bonded to
make up a stand. These stands can be chopped into various lengths, or combined to make cloth
mat or tape. Using the conventional mixing techniques for normal concrete it is not possible to
mix more than about 2% (by volume) of fibers of a length of 25mm.
The major appliance of glass fiber has been in reinforcing the cement or mortar matrices
used in the production of thin-sheet products. The commonly used verities of glass fibers are e-
glass used. In the reinforced of plastics & AR glass E-glass has inadequate resistance to alkalis
present in Portland cement where AR-glass has improved alkali resistant characteristics.
Sometimes polymers are also added in the mixes to improve some physical properties such as
moisture movement.
Fig.4 Glass-fiber reinforced concrete

4. Asbestos Fibers:-
The naturally available inexpensive mineral fiber, asbestos, has been successfully
combined with Portland cement paste to form a widely used product called asbestos cement.
Asbestos fibers here thermal mechanical & chemical resistance making them suitable for sheet
product pipes, tiles and corrugated roofing elements. Asbestos cement board is approximately
two or four times that of unreinforced matrix. However, due to relatively short length (10mm)
the fiber have low impact strength.

Fig.5 Asbestos fiber

5. Carbon Fibers:-
Carbon fibers from the most recent & probability the most spectacular addition to the
range of fiber available for commercial use. Carbon fiber comes under the very high modulus of
elasticity and flexural strength. These are expansive. Their strength & stiffness characteristics
have been found to be superior even to those of steel. But they are more vulnerable to damage
than even glass fiber, and hence are generally treated with resign coating.

Fig.6 Carbon fibers

6. Organic Fibers:-
Organic fiber such as polypropylene or natural fiber may be chemically more inert than
either steel or glass fibers. They are also cheaper, especially if natural. A large volume of
vegetable fiber may be used to obtain a multiple cracking composite. The problem of mixing and
uniform dispersion may be solved by adding a super plasticizer.
Fig 7 organic Fibres:-
 GLASS FIBRES

INTRODUCTION
Glass fiber (also spelled as glass fibre) is a material consisting of numerous extremely
fine Fibres of glass.
This is an introduction into the world of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC),
also referred to as Fiberglass Reinforced Concrete (FRC) and Glass Reinforced Concrete
(GRC). Since its introduction, GFRC has become extremely popular among the Architect
and Design industry. Along with this popularity came some concerns about the quality of
the material, and how best to use GFRC.
Glassmakers throughout history have experimented with glass fibers, but mass
manufacture of glass fiber was only made possible with the invention of finer machine tooling.
In 1893, Edward Drummond Libbey exhibited a dress at the World's Columbian
Exposition incorporating glass fibers with the diameter and texture of silk fibers. This was first
worn by the popular stage actress of the time Georgia Cayvan. Glass fibres can also occur
naturally, as Pele's hair.
Glass wool, which is commonly known as "fiberglass" today, however, was invented in
1938 by Russell Games Slayter of Owens-Corning as a material to be used as insulation. It is
marketed under the trade name Fiberglas, which has become a genericized trademark.
Glass fiber is commonly used as an insulating material. It is also used as a reinforcing
agent for many polymer products; to form a very strong and light fiber-reinforced
polymer (FRP) composite material called glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), popularly known as
"fiberglass".
WHAT IS GLASS FIBRE ?
Glass fibre is chemical inorganic fibre, obtained from molten glass of a specific
composition. This glass is compound of quartz sand, limestone, kaolin, calcium fluoride
(fluorspar), boric acid, natrium sulfate, and clay.
Glass fibre is made of natural materials, so that its products are ecologically pure and not
harmful to human health.
Glass fiber consists of 200-400 individual filaments, lightly bonded in order to form a
stand. These stands can then be chopped into various lengths and be used for a variety of
applications.
Glass fibre can be twisted, warped, woven, and treated like any other fibre. Its many rare
characteristics render it especially valuable: High bending, pulling, and pressure resistance,
unburnability, high temperature resistance, low hydroscopy, resistance against chemical and
biological influences, comparatively low density.
Glass fibre is highly light permeable and can be a semiconductor.
Glass fibre products have excellent electronic, heat, and sound insulation capacities.Glass
fiber has roughly comparable properties to other fibers such as polymers and carbon fiber.
Although not as strong or as rigid as carbon fiber, it is much cheaper and significantly less
brittle.

GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE

"Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete" is actually cement mortar with countless strands
of embedded glass fiber; it is a true composite material. It does not have the graded rock
aggregates or steel-reinforcing bars normally associated with concrete.The principal material
asset of GFRC is tensile strength or the ability to have strength when stretched. This tensile
strength characteristic also creates dramatically enhanced impact strength. It shares equally the
two primary assets of conventional concrete, which are compressive strength and longevity.
Conventional concrete has the trait known as "brittle failure" because it has a semi-
crystalline structure, which tends to shatter on impact. This is especially dangerous when
subjected to explosive force because ballistic debris is created which can create significant
collateral damage. This is not the case with GRFC, as it does not experience brittle failure. The
glass fiber tends to hold the material together because the fibers are dispersed randomly and lay
in all directions within the material matrix. GFRC has a dramatically reduced ballistic debris
profile.
In general, fibers are the principal load-carrying members, while the surrounding matrix
keeps them in the desired locations and orientation, acting as a load transfer medium between
them, and protects them from environmental damage.
In fact, the fibers provide reinforcement for the matrix and other useful functions in
fiber-reinforced composite materials. Glass fibers can be incorporated into a matrix either in
continuous lengths or in discontinuous (chopped) lengths.

FIBRE FORMATION
Glass fiber is formed when thin strands of silica-based or other formulation glass
are extruded into many fibers with small diameters suitable for textile processing. The technique
of heating and drawing glass into fine fibers has been known for millennia; however, the use of
these fibers for textile applications is more recent. Until this time all glass fiber had been
manufactured as staple (a term used to describe clusters of short lengths of fiber). The first
commercial production of glass fiber was in 1936. In 1938 Owens-Illinois Glass Company and
Corning Glass Works joined to form the Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation. When the two
companies joined to produce and promote glass fiber, they introduced continuous filament glass
fibers. Owens-Corning is still the major glass-fiber producer in the market today.
The types of glass fiber most commonly used are mainly E-glass (alumino-borosilicate
glass with less than 1% w/w alkali oxides, mainly used for glass-reinforced plastics), but also A-
glass (alkali-lime glass with little or no boron oxide), E-CR-glass (alumino-lime silicate with less
than 1% w/w alkali oxides, has high acid resistance), C-glass (alkali-lime glass with high boron
oxide content, used for example for glass staple fibers), D-glass (borosilicate glass with high
dielectric constant), R-glass (alumino silicate glass without MgO and CaO with high mechanical
requirements), and S-glass (alumino silicate glass without CaO but with high MgO content with
high tensile strength).
CHEMISTRY OF GLASS FIBRE
The basis of textile-grade glass fibers is silica, SiO2. In its pure form it exists as
a polymer, (SiO2)n. It has no true melting point but softens up to 2000°C, where it starts
to degrade. At 1713°C, most of the molecules can move about freely. If the glass is extruded and
cooled quickly at this temperature, it will be unable to form an ordered structure. In the polymer
it forms SiO4 groups which are configured as a tetrahedron with the silicon atom at the center,
and four oxygen atoms at the corners. These atoms then form a network bonded at the corners by
sharing the oxygen atoms.
The vitreous and crystalline states of silica (glass and quartz) have similar energy levels
on a molecular basis, also implying that the glassy form is extremely stable. In order to
inducecrystallization, it must be heated to temperatures above 1200°C for long periods of time.

Molecular Structure of Glass

Although pure silica is a perfectly viable glass and glass fiber, it must be worked with at
very high temperatures, which is a drawback unless its specific chemical properties are needed. It
is usual to introduce impurities into the glass in the form of other materials to lower its working
temperature. These materials also impart various other properties to the glass that may be
beneficial in different applications. The first type of glass used for fiber was soda lime glass or A
glass. It is not very resistant to alkali. A new type, E-glass, was formed; this is an alumino-
borosilicate glass that is alkali free (<2%). This was the first glass formulation used for
continuous filament formation. E-glass still makes up most of the glass fiber production in the
world. Its particular components may differ slightly in percentage, but must fall within a specific
range. The letter E is used because it was originally for electrical applications. S-glass is a high-
strength formulation for use when tensile strength is the most important property. C-glass was
developed to resist attack from chemicals, mostly acids that destroy E-glass. T-glass is a North
American variant of C-glass. A-glass is an industry term for cullet glass, often bottles, made into
fiber. AR-glass is alkali-resistant glass. Most glass fibers have limited solubility in water but are
very dependent on pH. Chloride ions will also attack and dissolve E-glass surfaces.
E-glass does not really melt, but softens instead, the softening point being "the
temperature at which a 0.55–0.77 mm diameter fiber 235 mm long, elongates under its own
weight at 1 mm/min when suspended vertically and heated at the rate of 5°C per minute". The
strain point is reached when the glass has a viscosity of 1014.5 poise. The annealing point, which
is the temperature where the internal stresses are reduced to an acceptable commercial limit in 15
minutes, is marked by a viscosity of 1013 poise.
PROPERTIES OF GLASS FIBRES

Glass fibers have the following properties:

 A high tensile strength (1700 N/mm2),

3-4 times higher tensile strength than steel

 High modulus (in other words not stretchy, 10 times that of
polypropylene. Low modulus fibers on the other hand, stretch and allow
concrete to crack),
 Impact Resistance,
 Shear strength,
 Shrinkage and moisture movement,
 Acoustical properties,
 Thermal conductivity,
 Permeability and moisture absorption,
 Water resistant,
 Light weight,
 Low thernal expansion,
 Less crep with increase in time,
 Good freeze-thaw resistance,
 Light weight and Low density,
 Resistance to corrosion and Fire endurance,
 Resistance to cracks in concrete.
Properties based on spray gfrc and premix method gfrc
Manufacturing process

Melting:-
There are two main types of glass fiber manufacture and two main types of glass fiber
product. First, fiber is made either from a direct melt process or a marble remelt process. Both
start with the raw materials in solid form. The materials are mixed together and melted in
a furnace. Then, for the marble process, the molten material is sheared and rolled into marbles
which are cooled and packaged. The marbles are taken to the fiber manufacturing facility where
they are inserted into a can and remelted. The molten glass is extruded to the bushing to be
formed into fiber. In the direct melt process, the molten glass in the furnace goes right to the
bushing for formation.

Formation:-
The bushing plate is the most important part of the machinery for making the fiber. This
is a small metal furnace containing nozzles for the fiber to be formed through. It is almost always
made of platinum alloyed with rhodium for durability. Platinum is used because the glass melt
has a natural affinity for wetting it. When bushings were first used they were 100% platinum and
the glass wetted the bushing so easily it ran under the plate after exiting the nozzle and
accumulated on the underside. Also, due to its cost and the tendency to wear, the platinum was
alloyed with rhodium. In the direct melt process, the bushing serves as a collector for the molten
glass. It is heated slightly to keep the glass at the correct temperature for fiber formation. In the
marble melt process, the bushing acts more like a furnace as it melts more of the material.
Bushings are the major expense in fiber glass production. The nozzle design is also
critical. The number of nozzles ranges from 200 to 4000 in multiples of 200. The important part
of the nozzle in continuous filament manufacture is the thickness of its walls in the exit region. It
was found that inserting a counterbore here reduced wetting. Today, the nozzles are designed to
have a minimum thickness at the exit. As glass flows through the nozzle it forms a drop which is
suspended from the end. As it falls, it leaves a thread attached by the meniscus to the nozzle as
long as the viscosity is in the correct range for fiber formation. The smaller the annular ring of
the nozzle or the thinner the wall at exit, the faster the drop will form and fall away, and the
lower its tendency to wet the vertical part of the nozzle. The surface tension of the glass is what
influences the formation of the meniscus. For E-glass it should be around 400 mN per m.
The attenuation (drawing) speed is important in the nozzle design. Although slowing this
speed down can make coarser fiber, it is uneconomic to run at speeds for which the nozzles were
not designed.

Continuous filament process:-

In the continuous filament process, after the fiber is drawn, a size is applied. This size
helps protect the fiber as it is wound onto a bobbin. The particular size applied relates to end-use.
While some sizes are processing aids, others make the fiber have an affinity for a certain resin, if
the fiber is to be used in a composite. Size is usually added at 0.5–2.0% by weight. Winding then
takes place at around 1000 m per min.

Staple fiber process:-

For staple fiber production, there are a number of ways to manufacture the fiber. The
glass can be blown or blasted with heat or steam after exiting the formation machine. Usually
these fibers are made into some sort of mat. The most common process used is the rotary
process. Here, the glass enters a rotating spinner, and due to centrifugal force is thrown out
horizontally. The air jets push it down vertically and binder is applied. Then the mat is vacuumed
to a screen and the binder is cured in the oven.
SAFETY REGARDING GLASS FIBRES
Glass fiber has increased in popularity since the discovery that asbestos causes cancer
and its subsequent removal from most products. However, the safety of glass fiber is also being
called into question, as research shows that the composition of this material (asbestos and glass
fiber are both silicate fibers) can cause similar toxicity as asbestos.[
1970s studies on rats found that fibrous glass of less than 3 micrometers in diameter and greater
than 20 micrometers in length is a "potent carcinogen". Likewise, the International Agency for
Research on Cancer found it "may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen" in 1990.
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, on the other hand, says that
there is insufficient evidence, and that glass fiber is in group A4: "Not classifiable as a human
carcinogen".
The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) claims that glass
fiber is fundamentally different from asbestos, since it is man-made instead of naturally-
occurring. They claim that glass fiber "dissolves in the lungs", while asbestos remains in the
body for life. Although both glass fiber and asbestos are made from silica filaments, NAIMA
claims that asbestos is more dangerous because of its crystalline structure, which causes it
to cleave into smaller, more dangerous pieces, citing the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services:
Synthetic vitreous fibers [fiber glass] differ from asbestos in two ways that may provide at least
partial explanations for their lower toxicity. Because most synthetic vitreous fibers are not
crystalline like asbestos, they do not split longitudinally to form thinner fibers. They also
generally have markedly less biopersistence in biological tissues than asbestos fibers because
they can undergo dissolution and transverse breakage.
A 1998 study using rats found that the biopersistence of synthetic fibers after one year
was 0.04–10%, but 27% for amosite asbestos. Fibers that persisted longer were found to be more
carcinogenic.
COMPARISION OF GFRC TO PRECAST CONCRETE

The elasticity and density of the GFRC is greater than precast concrete. The cement to
sand ratio for GFRC is approximately 1:1, while for precast concrete it is 1:6. The glass fibers
included to reinforce the concrete produce considerably greater impact strength and lower
permeability to water and air than precast concrete. GFRC looks like a natural stone and permits
the designer greater flexibility in form, color, and texture.

Advantages of GFRC
 In numerous environmental conditions, like when exposed to salts or moisture, GFRC is
likely to function better due to the absence of steel reinforcement that may corrode.
 Relatively light in weight compared to the traditional stones. Its installation is fast and
comparatively simple.
 GFRC has the characteristics to be cast into almost any shape.
 GFRC consists of materials that are unlikely to burn. The concrete takes the role of a
thermal regulator while exposed to fire and protects the materials from the flame heat.
 GFRC is thin and strong, with weight being 75% to 90% less compared to solid concrete.
Less weight facilitates easy and rapid installation, and also decreases the load applied on
the structure. The light weight and tough material also minimizes the transportation
expenditures, permits flexibility in design, and reduces the impact on environment.
 Superior strength enhances the ability to endure seismic loads.
 GFRC is less vulnerable to weather effects and more resistant to freeze thaw than the
normal concrete.
 Reduces the thermal and moisture induced stresses and allows the concrete to shrink and
expand without restraint.
 Limitless opportunities for architectural expression.
 Surface can be left uncoated.
 Naturally Friendly to the Environment
 Disaster Resistant
 Toughness :- GFRC doesn't crack easily—it can be cut without chipping

Disadvantages

 No ductility.
 Its unidirectional reinforcements leads to uneven shrinkage and warpage.
 Used as NON-load bearing only
 Requires separate anchorage system for installation
 Large panels must be reinforced
 Color additives may fade with sunlight
 May have different absorption rate than adjacent historic material

APPLICATIONS
 Exterior Ornamentation
 Interior Details
 Landscape Furnishings
 Architectural projects
 Airfields and Runways
 In Rocket launch pads
 Glass Fibres is also used in making of heat and corrosion resistant fabrics.
 Used in automobiles and sports goods also.
 Glass fiber is extensively used for making FRP tanks and vessels.
 Repairs executed using gfrc
BEFORE AFTER

Architectural projects
Fire resistance structures
Structures constructed using gfrc

The bridge pavilion in Spain (270 mtrs long)

(constructed in 2008)
Soccer city stadion - Johannesburg
(Constructed in 1987)
Different types of Hooper gun
Application of gfrc using Hooper gun
Conclusion
Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete is an engineered material has excellent properties that
can be conveniently used for many construction works and it is a suitable material for architects
to give life to their imaginations as structures by properly using this flexible material. A
properly designed, manufactured and installed GFRC system will provide an innovative and
aesthetically pleasing appearance, while often reducing overall cost, onsite labour requirements
and shortening construction schedules. Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) offers an
endless variety of decorative and ornamental shapes and forms at affordable prices
 References

 APA: Architectural Precast Association. Ft. Myers, FL. April 25, 2003.
http://www.archprecast.org/gfrchand.htm
 Park, Sharon C., AIA. The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors.
April 25, 2003.
http://www.historichomeworks.com/hhw/pbriefs/pb16.htm
 Stoneware: Composite Stone Products. Carson City, NV. April 25th, 2003.
http://www.stonewear.com