Title: Manufacture and Installation of GFRC Facades

Author(s): N. W. Hanson, J. J. Roller, J. I. Daniel, and T. L. Weinmann

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 124

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 183-214

Keywords: cladding; facings; fiber reinforced concretes; glass fibers; installing; manufacturing; panels; quality assurance; quality control; Manufacturing

DOI: 10.14359/3505

Date: 9/1/1990

Abstract:
Thin-walled, nonload-bearing exterior building facade panels of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) are manufactured by the spray-up process. Controlled factory conditions with strict attention to quality control are essential to help assure manufacture of a high-quality product. Furthermore, careful attention to installation and erection procedures cannot be overlooked. Paper describes the authors' experiences during their involvement in several major GFRC facade installations. Observations made during successful GFRC panel applications, and lessons learned in evaluation of GFRC facade failures, have formed the basis for development of an effective Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) program that has been successfully implemented. Paper addresses QC/QA aspects of panel manufacture and installation that go beyond guidelines given in the PCI Recommended Practice. Methodologies presented in this paper will be a valuable tool for owners, designers, manufacturers, and contractors participating in the manufacture and installation of GFRC facades.