QUALITY MATTERS

GRC or GFRC as it is known in the USA, is a complex composite having more in common with advanced aerospace materials than other forms of precast concrete.

Manufactured correctly, architectural cladding products produced from the material have historically been shown to have a service life well in excess of 50 years. Production of GRC is however a very skilled process requiring considerable skill, knowledge and experience. Whilst set up costs are relatively low, many manufacturers struggle to fully understand the high levels of quality control  measures and testing validation required.

Many industry professionals place orders based on an assumption that a manufacturers full membership of the International Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete Association (GRCA) guarantees product quality. This is not the case and the association recommends ” specifiers and users of GRC from any GRCA Full Members must satisfy themselves that the GRC manufacturing Full Member has sufficient resources in plant, equipment and labour to consistently design and manufacture high quality GRC in accordance with the requirements of the GRCA Specification, Methods of Testing and Practical Design Guide”

This is where we can help …….

The GRC Centre is part of a group which has over 20 years practical experience is the design, manufacture, testing and installation of architectural products manufactured from GRC.

During this period we have been involved in many prestigious GRC projects as well as helped develop an industry we care passionately about. Group employees have been heavily involved with not only the well respected trade association the International Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete Association (GRCA), but also the British Measurement and Testing Association (BMTA), The Concrete Society as well as serving on both BS and EN standards committees.

We are a unique consultancy providing 3rd party quality and compliance expertise to anyone procuring GRC.

Using our skills and experience we complement manufacturers own quality processes and procedures ensuring our clients can be confident that the GRC products on the buildings they are constructing meet compliance standards appropriate to the consequence of failure risk.

Our services include carrying out capability assessments of manufacturers, conducting periodic  Factory Production Control inspections and carrying out independent testing of finished GRC construction materials.