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Title: GFRC - 30 Years Of High Fiber Cement Composite Applications Worldwide

Author(s): Graham T Gilbert

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 224

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-20

Keywords: AR glass fibers; AR meshes; AR mats; engineering properties; manufacturing methods; durability. Wall panels; decorative elements; modular buildings; thin cementitious products; fiber cement; Fiber reinforcement

DOI: 10.14359/13404

Date: 12/1/2004

Abstract:
Thin, fiber reinforced cementitious products offer a useful balance of properties such as strength, toughness, environmental durability, moisture resistance, dimensional stability, fire resistance, aesthetics and ease of handling and installation. For more than 30 years, AR glass fibers have been at the forefront in the development of new applications of such products throughout the World. Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete [GFRC] is a thin, cement composite based on AR glass fibers with an excellent strength to weight ratio. Extensive early laboratory work produced a test method for determining long term strength. The validity of this work has been proven by the large number of buildings clad with GFRC, as well as a vast range of other GFRC products, used over a this 30 year period. This paper explains the fundamental principles behind GFRC and gives examples of some of its uses. These applications range from high quality, architectural wall panels and decorative elements through to modular buildings down to low cost channel sections and utility components. New developments and techniques will also be discussed.