GFRG (glass fiber reinforced gypsum) panels are an internal alternative to GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) and it is typically abbreviated as GRG or GRC.
Glass fiber reinforced gypsum consists of high energy resistant glass fibers bonded with excessive density gypsum cement to make panels traditionally completed with plaster castings.
GFRG is lighter in weight, higher in energy and much simpler than conventional plaster castings.
Properties of GFRG Panels:
- The material is light in weight which has general flexible strength for the design plans of dwelling and industrial complexes.
- It has a wonderful load-bearing capability and they are eco-friendly.
- Panels made of GFRG can resist earthquakes up to 8 Richter scale.
- These panels are also fire-resistant, termite-resistant, and water-resistant.
- They decrease the structural weight of the construction.
- It is comparatively simple to construct and also saves time compared to the usual building process.
Classification of GFRG Panels:
Class-1: Water Resistant Grade:
Water-resistant grades are types of GFRG panels used to construct exterior walls in moist areas where water resistance is of major importance.
In addition, this GFRG panel is used in the construction of flooring or wall for concrete filling.
Class-2: General Grade:
General grade GFRG panels can be used for each structural and non-structural purposes in dry areas.
Most of these panels are largely not suitable in terms of building exterior or interior partitions, they are not beneficial for wall or flooring construction.
Class-3: Partition Grade:
Partition grade GFRG panels are greatest suited for constructing non-structural interior partition wall, this type of GFRG panel is simply recommended for dry areas.
GFRG Panels Advantages:
- The construction time for these panels is short so that it will possibly save time and a little money.
- It has glorious thermal effectivity and low prices for cooling and heating these materials.
- No beams or columns are required for the installation of those panels.
- The maintenance cost for these panels is almost less and has a good life span.
- If you select these panels then the use of cement and sand reduces the carbon footprint so it environmentally friendly materials for construction.
GFRG Panels Disadvantages:
- The contractor or an architect may require skilled workers to handle the installation and work with these panels is slightly complex than all other materials.
- GFRG panel requires a lot of detailing and design that can increase construction costs, so always consult your architect to get a quote for the panels you may need to use.
- As it is manufactured from fiber materials, it is fragile and needs to be taken care of while transporting or loading it.
- Specific instruments are required to chop GFRG panels.
- These panels can’t be used for partitions that have excessive or round curvature.
- During the process of manufacturing these panels, workers have to be careful.
- Cranes require more space for movement when installing these panels.
Use of the gfrg panel:
- The panel could also be used with or without non-structural core fills such as insulation, and polyurethane or lightweight concrete.
- Excessive-capacity vertical and shear load-bearing structural walling in multi-story construction.
- As a partition wall in a multi-story framed building, the panel may also be suitably filled.
- In horizontal flooring/roof slabs with reinforced concrete microbeams.
- In a pitched roof (molded).
- As cladding for industrial building.
- In the compound wall.
Also read: Glass Cladding, Waterproofing Membrane & Papercrete
Conclusion:
GFRG panels are a great alternative to cut down the construction costs as well as construction time.
Additionally, make sure that the architect you’re working with has skilled laborers as these panels are a bit difficult to handle.
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