GFRC

GFRC

GFRC stands for glass fiber reinforced concrete. Reinforced concrete typically has steel rods and mesh that provide the material tensile strength (concrete is great in compression, not tension). But GFRC has glass fibers instead of steel, meaning the concrete — typically facade panels from architectural applications — is thinner and lighter in profile. GFRC is also used using the very same attributes.

John Hill

This housing development in Zurich has GFRC panels on the exterior. The lightweight panels mean that the structure required to support them can be smaller.

John Hill

The texture of these panels is another attribute that comes from the GFRC, which, as we’ll see, offers diverse sculptural possibilities.

Stone Cold Concrete

The planter foundations for this bench are made from GFRC, which can be strong enough to support the bench but light enough to be made offsite and to sit on the wooden deck.

5 Feet from the Moon

Concrete Bench

Here is just another piece of furniture made out of GFRC. The “plantable cracks,” since the producer calls them, are a unique touch that the substance affords.

Considering that the sculptural qualities of concrete along with also the flexibility of glass fibers, GFRC may be utilized for a number of decorative purposes, from pillar capitals to fake rocks. This rocks within this grotto are (quite convincingly) made from GFRC.

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