GLASSFIBRE REINFORCED GYPSUM (GRG)

Glassfibre Reinforced Gypsum (GRG) has complemented many interiors over the past decade and is coming of age in the '90s, especially in markets of North America, Europe and Japan. The GRG industry grew rapidly because GRG components offer the most cost effectiveness of a custom manufactured product that can be readily installed in the field. This came about as the basic factors of production - labour, become scarce, and level of skills rapidly diminishing. Furthermore, as construction period becomes an imperative consideration in determining contract bids, the need and race for pre-engineered components becomes a necessity. In addition, GRG has good fire retardant properties, lightweight and are easy to handle on site.

GRC can now be used for both new construction and restoration projects. In new construction, GRG offers the ability to create shapes that would virtually be impossible to build effectively with other mediums. Similarly, GRG can be especially important in restoration work, since it offers an economical way to re-create the plaster ornaments of the past.

GRG components are made from a lamination process in a mold and are shipped to a job site in customised shapes for erection in the field. On site, installation requires conventional drywall finishing techniques, and most parts are designed and manufactured that no more than 2 persons can handle the installation. In most of all cases, GRG components are used in combination with drywall, where the custom made parts are used in areas where the flat gypsum board are either not suitable or in terms of speed and cost efficiency.

As the economy and markets in South East Asia develops, there is every tendency for this to catch on with the trend and to adopt proven methods of construction similar to those in the West.


Benefits of using GRG

Versatile Material - GRG can be manufactured in any form or shape according to design requirements. Intricate shapes and features could be made available along with precise requirements of parts for three-dimensional moldings. All these could be easily achieved by the use of computerised CAD-CAM technology in the development of the design drawings and thereafter the engineering of molds required for the job. In doing so, tolerance of the parts manufactured could be kept to a minimum, eliminating the guesswork at the work site and limiting field cutting where necessary to end pieces only.

Minimal Design Limitations - with designs and tooling work being taken over by computers and CNC equipment, it is often said that whatever we could dream of could be realised. Limitations therefore become a rare occurrence, In addition, about the only limiting factor is worksite logistics and accessibility.

Pre-engineering of Parts - all parts are configured at the shop drawing stage. Most parts are prepared so that a maximum of only two persons could install them with out the use of cranes and other equipment, although bigger size parts could be produced where necessary. As installation is like putting together of pieces in a jigsaw puzzle, there is less dependence for a highly skilled work force.

Lightweight - as the finish product has a skin thickness of only 5mm, the finish product weights between 500 to 800 grams per square feet. This invariably has less loading onto buildings. Mobility and site handling are easier and installation work is made safer.

Fast & Easy Installation - installation work at the site would be a breeze as all parts are pre-engineered to fit. These are guided by detailed shop drawings to ensure that each part, which is factory labeled, is installed as designated. Mitre joints are often supplied therefore ensuring joints are crisp and clean. On occasions where necessary, sequences of part installation are also provided to assist the workcrew.

Dry Trade - installation of GRG parts is akin to the installation of drywall or Gypsum board. The workcrew uses electric screwdrivers for the installation work and when this process is done, taping and plastering the joints then takes place. All these are done without hindrance to other tradesman, and mobility around site is by roller scaffolding.

Quality Materials Used - high density and high-grade gypsum are used in combination with continuous filament glass as reinforcement to form a strong matrix for use in the finish product. This ensure the strength of each part manufactured. Suitable steel reinforcements are also added as designated and indicated in the shop drawings.

Cost Effective - although the cost of parts are higher than what conventional Plasterglass can supply, the end cost in total could be more effective
- lower labour cost
- shorter installation time
- less downtime and no guessing work
- less loading onto building
- accuracy and higher tolerance of parts
- no hindrance to other building trades in progress
- better and quality finish ensures no time is lost in refitting and touching up
- customer satisfaction

Conclusion -As we tread into the 21st century, three important essential issues surfaced for suppliers to the Building and Construction industry per se. Conformation to requirements such as shorter construction period, better quality materials to compensate for diminishing levels of skill workforce and offsite engineering will definitely provide the competitive edge for companies in the industry to grow further.

In Formglas, we believe we are a supplier of materials towards this direction.