GFRC Withstands the Elements
Known as one of the toughest materials, GFRC can take seismic activity, chemicals, and fire on without breaking down. Its durability goes beyond that though by withstanding the elements and not taking what Mother Nature delivers. In fact, the elements of wind, rain, and extreme temperatures have proven to be no match for GFRC.
GFRC is Made for Weather
The materials found in GFRC are what help it to withstand the elements. The glass fibers and polymers are essential in helping the material by adding strength and durability. Unlike traditional concrete that does not contain these materials, GFRC can tolerate more and not weather, chip, or crack. Additionally, the polymers provide flexibility for the GFRC to expand and contract when exposed to temperature changes so that it will return to its original shape without becoming warped or experiencing shrinkage.
Tests that Prove GFRC’s Resistance to the Elements
Stromberg has a 25-year track record of projects using GFRC that have withstood multiple hurricanes, including a Category 5 hurricane with no damage, while buildings nearby made with traditional concrete have been destroyed. Stromberg’s GFRC materials for certain special applications have been designed and tested for wind speeds that exceed 240 miles per hour despite the International Building Code wind speed map showing that the highest listed wind speed for the entire 50 states must only accommodate winds up to 150 miles per hour.
Beyond just the material being resistant to the elements, Stromberg also realizes that the attachments used to adhere the GFRC architectural product to a building is an important component, especially for wind load resistance on certain GFRC elements and cladding panels. Metal stud frames are either cast into the GFRC or special flex anchors are used as well as threaded inserts, weld plates, and wedge anchors, depending on the type of GFRC product.
There have also been tests undertaken to prove that GFRC is resistant to the elements of extreme cold temperatures. For example, Stromberg’s team of engineers tested GFRC for freeze-thaw resistance under ASTM C666. In this extremely severe test, samples were subjected to accelerated aging through up to 300 freezing-thawing cycles and then tested for flexural strength. The GFRC showed no damage or only minor flaking on the back of the GFRC material after all those cycles. They then tested how well traditional cement or other building products did and found that GFRC outperformed all other materials. GFRC’s thermal conductivity ranges from 3.5 to 7.0 BTU/in./hr./ft.2/deg.F., depending on the composite density and moisture content. This means that it can also withstand significantly hotter temperatures.
Applications for GFRC Burn Resistance
Because GFRC is so resistant to the elements, it is the perfect building material or architectural product material of choice for any external application, including building facades, door and window frames, statues, architectural features and more.
Learn More about Weather-Resistant GFRC Architectural Products
Stromberg Architectural can provide you with additional information about the weather-resistant nature of GFRC as well as give you a free estimate on any type of custom GFRC architectural product you may require. Contact us today by filling in our online contact form or contacting our knowledgeable team at 903-454-0904.
March 4, 2015
Community Affairs