Understanding GRC/GFRC and Unfound Creations' Low-Carbon Mix
Glass-fibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC), also known as Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC), depending on where you’re based, is a type of concrete that incorporates glass fibres to enhance its structural properties. GRC/GFRC is lightweight, strong, and flexible, making it ideal for various applications where traditional precast concrete is unsuitable. The glass fibres act as reinforcement, much like steel in reinforced concrete, providing added strength and durability without the weight and risk of corrosion. GRC typically uses fine silica sand along with Portland cement, polymer resins and other admixtures.
Benefits of GRC/GFRC:
Lightweight: Easier to handle and reduces structural load.
High Strength: Enhanced durability and resistance to cracking.
Versatile: Can be moulded or cast into intricate shapes and designs.
Durable: Resistant to weather, fire, and impact.
Withstands Freeze/Thaw Cycles: Excellent performance in freezing and thawing conditions, preventing damage and extending lifespan.
Harsh Weather Resistant: Can endure New Zealand's harsh weather conditions, making it a long-lasting choice compared to other materials.
Thinner Casts: Can be cast a lot thinner than traditional precast concrete, without sacrificing strength, resulting in less material usage.
Our Low-Carbon GRC/GFRC Mix
The Unfound Creations team is committed to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of our products. We achieve this by using a low-carbon concrete mix. Here’s how:
1. Replacing Cement with Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs):
Cement production is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. To reduce these emissions, we replace a portion of the cement in their mix with SCMs such as Silica Fume and Fly Ash, industrial waste materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, potentially harming the environment. These materials are by-products of other industrial processes and help to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the concrete.
Silica Fume: A by-product of silicon and ferrosilicon alloy production, is rich in silicon dioxide and enhances the strength and durability of concrete. It also results in a denser, stronger mix.
Fly Ash: A by-product of coal combustion in power plants, improves the workability and long-term strength of concrete. Fly Ash contributes to a denser, less porous concrete mix.
2. Producing Our Own GFRC Batches:
By producing our own batches of GFRC, we ensure that we can control the quality and composition of the mix. This allows us to fine-tune the proportions of SCMs and other ingredients to optimise performance while minimising environmental impact.
Why Choose Unfound Creations’ Low-Carbon GRC/GFRC?
Choosing GRC/GFRC products from Unfound Creations offers several benefits:
Eco-Friendly: Significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete as well as reduced water usage in the mix design through the addition of superplasticisers.
Sustainable: Utilises recycled industrial waste, reducing the environmental impact.
High Quality: Maintains the superior strength, durability, and versatility of GRC/GFRC.
Innovative: Pioneering the use of low-carbon technologies in the concrete industry.
Weather Resistant: Designed to withstand freeze/thaw cycles and harsh weather conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability in New Zealand's climate.
Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete is recyclable. Some key points on its recyclability:
Material Separation: GRC can be crushed and recycled into aggregate for new concrete mixes. During this process, the glass fibres are separated from the concrete, allowing for the reuse of both materials.
Reuse in Construction: The recycled aggregate from GRC can be used in new construction projects, reducing the need for virgin materials and minimising waste.
Environmental Benefits: Recycling GRC helps in reducing landfill waste and conserves natural resources. It also lowers the carbon footprint associated with producing new construction materials.
Circular Economy: Utilising recycled GRC in new projects supports a circular economy, where materials are continuously repurposed rather than discarded.