Daily Archives: March 13, 2019

CONCRETE: UNPARALLELED DESIGN FLEXIBILITY, OPTIONS

Concrete has captured the imagination of designers for thousands of years offering options and flexibility to mold it in different shapes and surface finishes.

The architectural GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete), also known as lightweight concrete, is able to extend the range of possibilities that can be realized using concrete. The AAS fabrication methodology empowers designers to customize product shape, color, finish, as well as attachment connections to achieve the design intent. GFRC is much simpler to install than other cast stone products or limestone.


GFRC - Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete - Design options, flexibility

GFRC – Design options, flexibility

DESIGN FREEDOM, FLEXIBILITY

 

  • Applications: wall units, window wall units, mullions, spandrels, column covers or wraps, cornices & banding, trim, soffits, sunscreens, custom cladding, veneer, or facade design, coping, interior features, etc.
  • Designers have the flexibility to achieve deep reveals, complex shapes, short radius curves, wide sweeping arcs, as well as sharp angels.
  • With a face mix, a GFRC panel is indistinguishable in exterior appearance from traditional precast or cast stone. The AAS team has the track record to use GFRC in place of limestone for high-end design aesthetic at fraction of the cost.
  • A wide range of surface finishes can be achieved by using exposed aggregate faces such as acid wash, sandblasting, integral color, white cement, and texture.

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GFRC - Structural, Engineering, Installation Advantages

Structural & Installation Advantages

LIGHTWEIGHT, HIGH STRENGTH TO WEIGHT RATIO

 

  • The low weight of GFRC panels decreases superimposed loads on the building’s structural framing and foundation.
  • The GFRC panels are ideal for use on buildings where heavier cladding systems would increase the size of required framing members.
  • For rehabilitation or retrofit projects, the use of GFRC panels for re-cladding minimizes the load added to the existing structure.
  • The lightweight of the GFRC panels allows the contractor to quickly and efficiently erect panels even in hard to reach areas, using smaller, less expensive equipment.

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GFRC - Project Specific Manufacturing, Support

Project Specific Fabrication, Support

PROJECT-SPECIFIC MANUFACTURING

 

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GFRC Design Process Case Study - SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House Project

GFRC Design Process Case Study

GFRC PROJECT EXAMPLE – DESIGN PROCESS CASE STUDY

 

  • See examples of the project-specific design of GFRC products.
  • See videos of the GFRC manufacturing process.
  • Collaboration with customers for design-assist, as well as construction-assist.

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Architectural GFRC | Pre-engineered, Built-in Connections | Installation Support | Installation of GFRC Products at SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House

Architectural GFRC | Pre-engineered, Built-in Connections | Installation Support | Installation of GFRC Products at SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House

 

 

 

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ARCHITECTURAL DETAILING OF GFRC

The AAS team is able to provide design assist to the architect and contractor for a project. The in-house engineering support team develops detailed attachment connections that will achieve the design objectives.

The shop drawings will provide the architect and installer an opportunity to review the attachment and make the final detailing.

 

General Rules for attachment

 

  • GFRC pieces up to about 4 feet x 6 feet can often be produced without an additional structural back-up. The manufacturer will add a stiffener-rib to the product back side for added support. A stiffener usually runs the height of the piece every 24 to 30 inches of the product and has very concentrated glass fiber to cement mix. The product can be attached via a veneer tie and strap, kerf and clip, or similar attachment to the structure of the building.
  • Larger pieces or pieces where a stiffener-rib is not appropriate are generally hung with a metal stud back-up. The metal stud system is designed and attached to GFRC piece by the manufacturer as part of the cost of the GFRC on the project. Metal stud back-up is very similar to metal stud framing on most commercial projects, but designed with more precision. The metal stud back-up is usually attached with a grade #2 bolt to the structure of the building. There are occasions where the metal stud framing is welded to the structure. Again the specifications on the welding should follow AWS (American Welding Society) standards.
  • Very large pieces (larger than 8 feet x 20 feet) will have tube steel back-up. The process is much the same as with metal studs discussed above. This back-up will be engineered by AAS.

 

Installation

 

  1.  AAS is able to provide type of connection that is preferred by customer. GFRC provides flexibility with selection of the connection type.
  2. Once the connections are selected, the AAS manufacturing and design process is able to pre-engineer the connections support in the products.
  3. GFRC is much simpler and less expensive to install compared to other much heavier stone products. GFRC installation doesn’t require extensive support structure and heavy construction equipment at the project site.
  4. AAS GFRC products provide flexibility to select right application of caulk or sealants making it easier for masonry contractors not only in their installation process, but also with long term reliability of the installed projects.

 

> LEARN MORE: ARCHITECTURAL GFRC