GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) is only 3/4″ thick making it much easier to install, and also to seamlessly integrate with brick veneer.
See in this video, how large GFRC panels are installed for curved entry way elevation as well as non-loadbearing GFRC window headers with steel lintel above them.
With seamless connections between designed stone panels, manufactured stone can be effectively used for architectural stone cladding, veneers, wall coping, as well as architectural trim for exterior facades of buildings.
Watch video clips to see manufacturing steps for an Architectural GFRC product (also known as light weight concrete).
This video series explain custom design, engineering and manufacturing of GFRC cornices used for the new Girls Sorority building at the Southern Methodist University (SMU).
Step One: Creating Custom Molds
The GFRC cornices used for exterior of the building are large with unique shapes.
Mesa Precast team designed and manufactured custom molds while collaborating closely with project team at Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS) that was in charge of the customer requirements and design.
Step Two: Preparation and Application of the Facing Mix
Facing mix is without fibers. This allows for smooth surface of the cornice which was then acid etched for the required finish.
See application of the facing mix…
Careful brushing eliminates bubbles and makes it consistent …
Step Three: Spraying Back up Mix
Mesa Precast team developed specific composition of the spray mix that had the right admixture with fibers. These fibers lend strength to GFRC panels even though they are only 3/4th of an inch thick.
See back up mix being sprayed in this video …
See back up mix being rolled and compacted in this video …
Step Four: Attaching Steel Frame to the Cornice
Mesa Precast team pre-engineered installation frame that is attached to the GFRC cornice panels during the manufacturing. With this precise embedding of the frame right in to the GFRC material of the Cornice, installation of the cornice at the site became much simpler.
Last step in manufacturing is to thicken the edges, to make the product stronger and structurally more sound.
