Glass-fibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) and Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC) are regularly used in architectural and civil engineering applications. Due to current and future large-scale construction and infrastructure contracts, it is highly likely that there’ll be a significant upturn in the use of these materials. GRC offers the prospect of lightweight cladding and reduced structural requirements of both frames and foundations, whilst FRC can provide improved long-term serviceability.

GRC comes in three grades and the specification and required properties is dependent on the individual components and conditions of use. Steel FRC has been used extensively since its invention in the 19th century. In the UK, steel FRC in industrial floors is a major application due to the considerable financial savings that can be made against supplying and fixing fabric reinforcement.

Polypropylene fibres can be used to reinforce concrete; it’s not a replacement for reinforcement but can offer advantages, e.g. crack control. There is some controversy in this area as to whether modern fibres are able to enhance structural performance, e.g. in beam and pot flooring. Polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete can only be investigated by testing complete floor assemblages. At Lucideon, we’re equipped and experienced to do this.

We provide both standard and customized testing of GRC and FRC materials and components. In particular, LOP and MOR determination using the ‘complete bending test’ to BS EN 1170-5 and the CMOD determination to EN 14651: 2005 + A1: 2007. Testing regimes applicable to beam and pot flooring, which are accepted approaches by the BBA and NHBC, are also available.