Difference between GRP & GRC
( GRP - Glass Reinforced Polyester( plastics) & GRC - Glass Reinforced Concrete )
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GRP - Glass Reinforced Polyester( plastics) popularly known as FRP in Asia and GRP World wide. GRP products are made using various grades of Glass Fibers in combination with Polyester and Epoxy Resins. Cement is not used. Example: It will be very very thin. Used for Water tanks, roofing, modular buildings, Pipes and cabins to automobile and electrical parts; Architectural lightweight Cladding Panels, Weather resistant Cantilever Stadium Ceilings and Vaults, Logos, Emblems, Manhole Liners,  Kiosks, Car Park Shades, Facias, Sewage Holding Tanks, Fountains, Translucent Domes, Corrugated Roofing, etc. 

The composite basically consists of e-glass fibres and polyester resin that has excellent mouldability with several desired qualities such as lightweight, high strength, high stiffness, toughness, chemical resistance, electrical properties, aesthetic appeal, etc.

Advantages
 

•  Easy mouldability to architectural forms and shapes
•  High strength to weight ratio
   
•  Wide performance range
   
•  Low manufacturing cost
   
•  High resistance to impact
   
•  Resistance to corrosion
   
•  Good electrical characteristics
   
•  Heat and sound insulation
   
•  Translucency and colour impregnation

Continued down...

Articles:

Properties
 

• Properties of typical 4 mm thick hand lay-up GRP laminate are:
•  Glass Content        : 450 gms/sq m / mm
   
•  Impact Strength     : +40 to 45 KJ/ sq m
   
•  Tensile Strength    : +75 to 80 N/mm
   
•  Density                  : 1.6 to 1.8 gms/cubic cm
   
•  Bar of hardness     :  45-50
   
•  Pigmented gel coats  : Ultra violet stabilized colour fast, no fading
   
•  Fire properties (Surface spread of flame):
        Class 3 with general purpose resin as per BS476 Part 7,
        with special resins Class 1 can be achieved

Applications
 

•  Achitectural panels such as decorative column cladding, façade treatment, insulated, non insulated domes of mosques and commercial buildings. 
   
•  Bath tubs, shower trays, wash basins, garden fountains
   
•  Manhole liners, septic tanks, holding tankso Portacabins, prefabricated houses, watchman booth, vending kiosks, etc.
   
•  Water tanks, A.C. covers, vanity tops
   
•  Gold and silver jewels finals for mosques and domes
   
•  Artificial rocks, garden planters
   
•  Stadium canopies, electrical enclosures

GRC - Glass Reinforced Concrete

GRC - Glass Reinforced Concrete popularly known as GRC or GFRC all over the World. Broadly the formulation for GRC product is a mixture of 40% White Cement, 40% Fine Aggregates, 0.4% Plasticizers, 4% Polymers, 11.5%-14% Water, and 3.5%-4% of AR Glass Fiber. Used for architecture facades, architecture models, cladding, grills,  landscaping and decorative columns to balusters; Architectural products such as Decorative Screens, A.C. Covers, Cladding Panels, Column Capital, Bases, Domes, Castellations, Planters, Permanent Formwork and a wide range of custom-made applications etc

The resultant composite is a concrete like material combining the compressive properties of cement mortars with the valuable flexural and tensile strength of the glass fibres.

It is in many ways similar to concrete but its higher cement content and lower permeability make it more resistant to moisture penetration, atmospheric attack or sand erosion. The high cement and low aggregate content also result in higher moisture movement than concrete, although thermal movement is similar.
 

Advantages:
 

• Mouldability to produce wide range of intricate shapes and profiles.
• Lightweight, ease and speed of handling, with reduced erection and transportation costs.
   
• Reduced loadings on buildings leading to substantial reductions in structural and  foundation costs, especially useful for building renovation or restoration.
   
• Ability to reproduce fine surface details.
   
• Low maintenance requirements.
   
• Good freeze-thaw resistance.
   
• Low permeability.
   
• Excellent fire properties.
   
• Environment-friendly.
   

Properties:
Compressive strength         :  60 - 100 N/mm2
Young's modulus         :  15 - 25 KN/mm2
Impact strength         :  15 - 30 N/mm2
Ultimate tensile strength     :  10 - 17 N/mm2
Ultimate bending strength  :  28 - 42 N/mm2
Density           :  2.0 - 2.2 tonne/m3
Coefficient of thermal         : 7 - 12 x 106 per ?k
expansion (in the region 
25-45 deg C)
GRC is non-combustible, not easily ignitable and is fire resistant for up to 4 hours depending on construction.
 

Surface Finishes
 

• Simulated Stone Finish
• Exposed aggregate
   
• Smooth Polished, Honed
   
• Sealed, water repellent applied surface
   
• Sandblasted
   
• Applied coating such as decorative, textured painted
   
• Mineralite faced

( Reference: Al Turki Enterprises  http://www.alturki.com/ )