Every field and every industry is moving ahead with technology then how can real estate remain behind. It has also embraced technology in almost all its sectors and the construction sector is no exception. GFRG panels have brought a great technological advancement in the construction sector.
TABLE OF CONTENT
1.GFRG Panels
2.Need of the Hour
3.Properties of GFRG Panels
4.Applications of GFRG Panel
5.Advantages of GRFG Panels
6.Disadvantages of this Technological Advancement
7.Cuddle this Technological Advancement
1.GFRG Panels
GFRG panels are also known as rapid walls because the construction with GFRG panels goes on rapidly. This is another technological advancement in real estate. These panels are made up of calcined gypsum plaster reinforced with glass fibers. These were invented in Australia in 1990 but now they are accepted by a few countries including India. A GFRG panel is manufactured to a thickness of 124 mm, a length of 12 m and 3 m height. It contains cavities that will be empty, partially filled or completely filled with reinforced concrete as per the structural requirement. Each one meter segment of the GFRG panel has 4 cells, with each cell being 250mm wide and 124 mm in thickness.
2.Need of the Hour
India being a vastly populated country needs more residential and commercial units. There is a vast requirement for building material. At this crucial moment an innovative technological advancement is the most required. We need high efficiency building materials for strong and durable housing at an affordable cost but with an advanced mode of construction. This requirement can be completed by GFRG panels which provide rapid construction and are also eco-friendly. GFRG panels can reduce the cost of construction by 50%. These panels when filled with reinforced concrete in an appropriate proportion become strong enough to act as load bearing and shear walls.
3. Properties of GFRG Panels
GFRG Panels are made up of gypsum plaster which is recognized for its durability and the overall look. Its use is increasing all over the world because of its positive properties. These panels can be used for load-bearing as well as non-load bearing walls. Having good load bearing capacity and density, GFRG panels are used in residential and commercial constructions. The material is light in weight with flexible strength and is perfect for the plans and designs. Due to its excellent properties, its material is considered to be an efficient green building material and architects mostly prefer these over other materials. It is considered to be an eco-friendly option. These are also used for hybrid construction in multi-storied buildings. GFRG panels can resist earthquakes up to 8 Richter’s scale. Construction with these panels is easy and time saving as compared to the standard construction process. Being light, they can decrease the structural weight of the construction.
4. Applications of GFRG Panels
4.1. Load-bearing Walls – The cavities of GFRG panels are filled with reinforced concrete when they have to be used as load-bearing walls. They are suitable for multi storied buildings with high-capacity as vertical and shear load bearing walls. In a low-rise building which is single or double storied, the cavities can be kept vacant or can be filled with some non-structural core filling like insulation, sand, dust, polyurethane or just light weight concrete.
4.2. Partition Walls – GFRG panels can be used in partition walls of multi-storied buildings. In such cases the panels are filled as per the requirement. These types of walls can be used as cladding in industrial structures.
4.3. Other Areas – GFRG panels are also used as compound walls, security walls, horizontal floor slabs, staircase and pitch roofing, light-weight bearing wall and floor slabs.
5. Advantages of GRFG Panels
5.1. These panels have high strength resistant glass fibers; hence they are highly durable and strong. Extra large size panels can also be prepared. They are resistant to high impacts. The strength and durability of GFRG panels is five times more than a conventional construction material.
5.2. They are light, maximum in strength and easier to install. Installation process is simple and cost-effective. The use of cement and sand gets reduced if the construction is with GFRG panels. It requires minimum structural support. As these panels are pre-made structures, they just need to be installed at the site.
5.3. These panels require very less maintenance, have a good lifespan and the shipping costs are minimized as they are light in weight.
5.4. They are cost-effective. As the construction time is less with GFRG panels, it saves both money and time. Construction with GFRG panels is quicker as compared with the traditional construction.
5.5. GFRG panels have excellent thermal efficiency. They give warmth in winter and cools down by 4 degrees in summer season. Cost of cooling and heating gets reduced.
5.6. No beams or panels will be needed for the installation of these panels. Even bricks are not required in the construction process.
5.7. These panels are environment friendly because they reduce the carbon footprint.
5.8. These panels resist the lateral loads caused due to earthquakes and wind. They are also fire resistant. GFRG panels are not only used for the walls, they are also used for the roofs, floors, sunshades and the boundary walls.
6. Disadvantages of this Technological Advancement
Every technology has some advantages as well as a few disadvantages. This technological advancement also has a few disadvantages which can be overcome by taking some initiatives and precautions.
6.1. As a crane is essential to lift and place the panels in the required position, more space for movement is needed at the site.
6.2. The design of a GFRG panel is a bit complex, so trained workers are required in the construction. 6.3. Highly skilled and experienced labour is needed for installation and working with these panels. These are a bit more complicated than other construction materials.
6.4. As the panels are huge and heavy, they need to be handled carefully during the transportation and erection process at the site.
6.5. Specific machinery or tools will also be required at the site to cut the panels to desired measurements. 6.6. GFRG panels do not cater to circular or curved designs.
6.7. GFRG panels are made up of fiber; hence they are fragile and need a lot of care while handling them.
7. Cuddle this Technological Advancement
It is now time for us to take advantage of this technological advancement and make our residences get constructed quickly and more appealing with GFRG panels. There is no usage of blocks or bricks with GFRG panel construction. Being fire and earthquake resistant these are safer and also durable. It is also cost-effective and eco-friendly. Though a few disadvantages are there, one can overcome them with suitable measures and give a fancy look to your houses with GFRG panel construction because this is another technological advancement in the field of construction.
Written by Nikhil Gattu
