Toughness of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Panels Subjected to Accelerated Aging

Abstract

G lass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) is a cement based composite product which is reinforced with glass fibers. GFRC cladding panels are increasingly being used in the United States and other countries. These panels are generally produced by simultaneously spraying a portland cement mortar slurry and alkali resistant (AR) chopped glass fibers onto molds. The size of properly designed panels with appropriate configuration can he as large as 8 x 30 ft (2.4 x 9.1 m) with only Vz in, (1.27 cm) skin thicknesses. GFRC panels are relatively light in weight facilitating their handling, transporting and erection. GFRC cladding panels are produced as wall units, window units, spandrels, mullions, and column covers. In 1985, more than 5.5 million sq ft (511,600 m 2) of cladding panels were produced in the United States at an approximate total cost of $100 million. The expanding use of GFRC panels should be supported with sufficient information on short-term and long-term mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of GFRC depend on the type,