S T R U V T U R E S

AARSH MALHOTR A | 4A | 180BARCH030

B U I L D I N G S T R U C T U R A L S Y S T E M
JASSIMAR SINGH | 4A | 180BARCH034

COMPOSITE MATERIALS R A J AT V E R M A | 4 A | 1 8 0 B A R C H 1 1 8
I N T R O D U C T I O N

A composite material is a combination of two materials with different physical

and chemical properties.
When they are combined they create a material which is specialised to do a
certain job, for instance to become
stronger, lighter or resistant to electricity. They can also improve strength and
stiffness.
The reason for their use over traditional materials is because they improve the
properties of their base materials
and are applicable in many situations.
Composite materials, such as the glassfibre-reinforced materials
glassfibre-reinforced concrete (GRC) relies for their utility on the
advantageous combination of the disparate physical properties
associated with the individual component materials. This is
possible when a strong bond between the glass fibres and the
matrix material ensures that the two materials within the
composite act in unison.

AARSH MALHOTR A | 4A | 180BARCH030

JASSIMAR SINGH | 4A | 180BARCH034

R A J AT V E R M A | 4 A | 1 8 0 B A R C H 1 1 8
T Y P E S O F C O M P O S I T E M A T E R I A L S

AARSH MALHOTR A | 4A | 180BARCH030

JASSIMAR SINGH | 4A | 180BARCH034

R A J AT V E R M A | 4 A | 1 8 0 B A R C H 1 1 8
A D V A N T A G E S O F C O M P O S I T E M A T E R I A L S

Design Flexibility – Thermoset Composites give designers nearly unlimited

flexibility in designing shapes and forms. They be molded into the most
intricate components and can be made a wide range of densities and
chemical formulations to have precise performance properties.
Low cost per cubic inch – When comparing costs based on volume,
thermoset composites have lower material costs than traditional materials
such as wood, engineered thermoplastics and metals. In addition, because
thermoset composites have a low petroleum-based content, they are not
subjected to the price fluctuations experienced in petroleum-based products.
Lower material costs – Because thermoset composites can be precisely
molded, there is little waste and therefore significantly lower overall material
costs than metals products.
Improved productivity – Industrial Designers and Engineers are able to
reduce assembly costs by combining several previously assembles parts into
a single component. Also, inserts can be molded directly into the part during
the molding process thereby eliminating the need for a post-process. In
addition, composites do not usually require additional machining, thereby
reducing work-in-process and time to market
AARSH MALHOTR A | 4A | 180BARCH030

JASSIMAR SINGH | 4A | 180BARCH034

R A J AT V E R M A | 4 A | 1 8 0 B A R C H 1 1 8
G L A S S F I B R E P R O D U C T I O N
Glass fibre is manufactured by running
molten glass from the furnace at
1200°C into a forehearth, and through a
spinneret of fine holes from which it is
drawn at high speed down to
approximately 9 μm in thickness.
WHAT IS GLASSFIBRE-REINFORCED CONCRETE
The standard material is produced from a mixture
of alkali-resistant glass fibres with Portland cement,
sand aggregate and water
Admixtures such as pozzolanas, superplasticisers
and polymers are usually incorporated into the mix
to give the required fabrication or casting
properties
AARSH MALHOTR A | 4A | 180BARCH030
JASSIMAR SINGH | 4A | 180BARCH034
R A J AT V E R M A | 4 A | 1 8 0 B A R C H 1 1 8
 M A N U F A C T U R I N G P R O C E S S

MANUFACTURE OF ALKALI-RESISTANT GLASS FIBRES

Silica, limestone and zircon are melted in a furnace; the alkali-
resistant glass produced is drawn into fibres

CEMENT MATRIX
Portland cement, strength class 42.5 or 42.5R (rapid early
strength), is normally used. Portland cement will produce a grey
finish, but white Portland cement or added pigments may be
used to give different effects

FABRICATION PROCESSES
Fibre-reinforced concrete components may be formed either by
using a spray-gun, which mixes the glass fibres with a slurry of
cement as it sprays directly into the mould, or by premixing a
blend of cement, sand, water, admixtures and glass fibres
before casting

AARSH MALHOTR A | 4A | 180BARCH030

JASSIMAR SINGH | 4A | 180BARCH034

R A J AT V E R M A | 4 A | 1 8 0 B A R C H 1 1 8
P R O P E R T I E S
Appearance
While standard GRC has the appearance of concrete, a wide
diversity of colours, textures and simulated materials can be
manufactured.
Moisture and thermal movement
GRC exhibits an initial irreversible shrinkage followed by a
reversible moisture movement of approximately 0.2%
Thermal conductivity
The thermal conductivity of GRC is within the range 0.21–1.0
W/m K. Double-skin GRC cladding panel units usually
incorporate expanded polystyrene, mineral wool or foamed
plastic insulation. Cold bridging should be avoided where it may
cause shadowing effects
Durability
GRC is less permeable to moisture than normal concrete, so it
has good resistance to chemical attack; however, unless
manufactured from sulphate-resisting cement, it is attacked by
soluble sulphates. GRC is unaffected by freeze/thaw cycling.
AARSH MALHOTR A | 4A | 180BARCH030
Impact resistance
GRC exhibits a high-impact resistance but toughness and JASSIMAR SINGH | 4A | 180BARCH034

strength does decrease over long periods of time. R A J AT V E R M A | 4 A | 1 8 0 B A R C H 1 1 8

 U S E S
GRC is used extensively for the manufacture of cladding and
soffit panels because it is lightweight and easily moulded.

It is used in conservation work as a replacement for natural

stone and in architectural mouldings, including sophisticated
decorative screens within countries of the Middle East.

It is used as permanent formwork for concrete, fireresistant

partitioning and in the manufacture of small components
including slates, tiles and decorative ridge tiles.]

Fibre-reinforced cement slates are manufactured to simulate

the texture and colour of natural slate.

Some manufacturers incorporate blends of other non-asbestos

natural and synthetic fibres together with pigments and fillers
to produce a range of coloured products with glossy, matt or AARSH MALHOTR A | 4A | 180BARCH030
simulated riven finishes.
JASSIMAR SINGH | 4A | 180BARCH034

R A J AT V E R M A | 4 A | 1 8 0 B A R C H 1 1 8
 D E S I G N I N F O R M A T I O N

Like any material, fiberglass has

advantages and disadvantages; however,
in applications such as corrosion, low to
medium volume production, very large
parts, contoured or rounded parts and
parts needing high specific strength,
fiberglass is the material of choice.
• Fiberglass is a designer's ideal material,
because the parts can be tailored to have
strength and/or stiffness in the directions
and locations that are necessary by
strategically placing materials and
orienting fiber direction.
• The design and manufacturing flexibility
of fiberglass, provides opportunities to
consolidate parts and to incorporate
many features into the part to further
reduce the total part price. Some general
AARSH MALHOTR A | 4A | 180BARCH030
design guidelines are listed below:
JASSIMAR SINGH | 4A | 180BARCH034

R A J AT V E R M A | 4 A | 1 8 0 B A R C H 1 1 8
 D E S I G N I N F O R M A T I O N

Today’s version, however, has evolved into multiple layers to

introduce a product that is stronger,
lighter, more appealing, and environmentally justifiable.
According to the Shelter Works eBook,
there are at least seven core components in the construction of
a composite fiberglass building:
A polymer matrix or resin “holds” the fiberglass reinforcing
material
•Fiberglass strengthens the structure while permitting
lightweight construction
•Gel coats for aesthetic and protective purposes
•Insulating materials to better regulate atmospheric
temperatures around the equipment
•Structural reinforcements may be added to increase usage of
the shelter
•Fire retardant materials can be added to adjust for necessary
fire ratings
•Additional componentry may be added to customize and
optimize for usage AARSH MALHOTR A | 4A | 180BARCH030
•When building a fiberglass shelter, each of these elements may JASSIMAR SINGH | 4A | 180BARCH034
be varied to accommodate the R A J AT V E R M A | 4 A | 1 8 0 B A R C H 1 1 8
particular application or desired outcome.
A D V A N T A G E S A N D D I S A D V A N T A G E S

The advantages of fibre-reinforced concrete include the

following:

Fibre-reinforced concrete has more tensile strength when

compared to non-reinforced concrete.
It increases the concrete’s durability.
It reduces crack growth and increases impact strength.
Fibre-reinforced concrete improves resistance against freezing
and thawing.
Reinforcing concrete with fibre increases fatigue strength.

The disadvantages of fibre-reinforced concrete include

the following:
•Rain might expose the fibres.
•Fibres randomly orient in the concrete and could result
in poor quality concrete, if not uniform.
•Reinforced concrete is about 10% to 15% costlier than
non-reinforced concrete.
AARSH MALHOTR A | 4A | 180BARCH030

JASSIMAR SINGH | 4A | 180BARCH034

R A J AT V E R M A | 4 A | 1 8 0 B A R C H 1 1 8