Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) is emerging as a leading material in modern architecture. For professionals navigating the demands of sustainability, design freedom, and structural efficiency, GFRC presents a compelling solution. But is it right for your next project?

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This blog offers a practical checklist tailored for architects and design professionals. It explores the scenarios where GFRC excels—and how MACt’s products and training can help you get the best results.

What is GFRC and Why Are Architects Choosing It?

GRC, or GFRC (Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete), is a specialised cement-based composite that incorporates alkali-resistant glass fibres. This blend creates a material that’s lighter, stronger, and more flexible than traditional concrete, without compromising durability.

Australian architects are turning to GFRC for a wide range of projects—from custom cladding and intricate sculptures to outdoor installations and commercial interiors. MACt, a national leader in GFRC product innovation, supports these efforts through purpose-built materials and hands-on training.

The Architect’s GFRC Suitability Checklist

This checklist helps you assess whether GFRC is a good match for your design objectives.

Do You Need a Lightweight Yet Strong Material?

GFRC offers a significantly improved strength-to-weight ratio compared to traditional concrete. It allows for thinner panels and complex shapes without sacrificing performance.

This makes it ideal for:

• Facades and cladding
• Ceiling panels
• Suspended elements

MACt’s GFRC premix products are engineered to deliver consistent performance in these applications. MACt also offers a non-combustible Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) product.

Will the Project Require Custom Shapes or Intricate Details?

GFRC can be cast into moulds to achieve detailed textures, organic forms, or ultra-thin edges. Its flexibility opens the door to creative freedom in:

• Curved facades
• Public art
• Textured feature walls

MACt provides tools, mould-release agents, and pigments that help realise even the most ambitious concepts.

Is Durability in Harsh Conditions a Priority?

GFRC stands up to UV, moisture, and coastal conditions. When combined with high-quality sealers, it performs exceptionally well outdoors.

Architects working in:

• Coastal zones
• Public spaces
• Commercial outdoor areas

will appreciate MACt’s range of sealers and surface treatments designed to preserve GFRC installations over time.

Are Sustainability and Waste Reduction Important to the Brief?

GFRC is a more sustainable alternative to conventional concrete:

• Lower raw material use
• Supports mould reuse
• Enables modular construction

MACt offers guidance and training to help architects adopt eco-conscious techniques using GFRC, including modular design and optimised batching with minimal waste.

Do You Need Fast Installation or Prefabrication Options?

GFRC allows for off-site prefabrication and fast on-site assembly. Its lightweight nature means less structural reinforcement, reduced crane time, and shorter installation periods.

MACt’s preformulated GFRC mixes and equipment streamline the casting process, making modular production feasible even for smaller teams.

Real-World Uses of GFRC in Australian Architecture

GFRC has become a go-to material for:

• Architectural facades and rainscreens
• Urban seating and planter boxes
• Decorative screening
• Reception counters and benchtops
• Sculptural installations in public art

From civic precincts in Melbourne to waterfront parks in Brisbane, GFRC delivers form, function, and longevity.

Explore MACt’s GFRC Tools, Mixes, and Training

MACt supports architects throughout the GFRC project lifecycle with:

• GFRC Premix Products: For consistent performance and ease of use
• Alkali-Resistant Glass Fibres: To strengthen GFRC elements
• Colours and Sealers: For surface protection and design customisation
• Professional Tools: Mixers, sprayers, and polishing gear
• Workshop Training: Practical courses on mixing, moulding, finishing, and sustainable GFRC practices

Explore GFRC Products Australia

Final Thoughts: Should You Specify GFRC for Your Next Project?

If your brief demands a material that is:

• Lightweight and durable
• Flexible in form
• Environmentally conscious
• Precast-friendly and installation-efficient

Then GFRC may be exactly what you’re looking for.

MACt’s experience in material development and training ensures that architects and designers can adopt GFRC confidently and creatively.

Tag Archives: GFRC Installation

GFRC CASE STUDY: ENGINEERING, FABRICATION, INSTALLATION

The architectural GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) presents a unique opportunity for architects and contractors.

The panels are only 3/4″ thick and yet are strong. This minimizes the structural support requirements. The panels can achieve the look and finish of other stone products. With the AAS technology and fabrication technique, the panels can be large in size when required with intricate shapes.

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For renovating the Marriott Hotel in downtown Ft. Worth, the designers wanted to use GFRC panels to conform to existing building profile conditions. The AAS team worked closely with the architect and contractor to achieve panels with more than 20 ft. of length and highly complex angles. The connections to hang the panels were built-in during the engineering and manufacturing process, simplifying the installation.

Images below show an example CAD drawing, a large panel with pre-engineered connections ready for shipment, and installation progress on the site.

CAD Drawing for One Panel

Example: Custom-fabricated Large GFRC Panel

Installation Site: Marriott Hotel, Ft. Worth, TX

> SEE MORE: GFRC DESIGN INTENT, ENGINEERING, FABRICATION DETAILS, INSTALLATION

> ARCHITECTURAL GFRC: PRODUCT HOME

HOW DO YOU INSTALL CAST STONE?

The AAS team provides detailed CAD drawings to explain how to install the architectural cast stone.

The settings plan describes drawings for different sections with specific descriptions to hang the stone. Customers get comprehensive installing planning support and drawings that show how to attach every stone panel. This is integrated into the AAS methodology for the project-specific custom fabrication of the architectural stone products.

> DOWNLOAD INSTALLATION GUIDES

The most commonly used technique is kerf slot with strap anchors. Learn more in this blog post with embedded video.

See anchoring and flashing details .PDF from Cast Stone Institute (CSI) – opens in new window or tab.

See connection manual .PDF from Architectural Precast Association (APA) – opens in new window or tab.

Project Example: Lebanon High School

> LEARN MORE: LEBANON HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT

Project Example: SMU Simmons Hall

> LEARN MORE: SMU SIMMONS HALL CASE STUDY

> PROJECT-SPECIFIC MANUFACTURING

> CUSTOMER SUPPORT SYSTEM

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

KERF SLOT WITH STRAP ANCHORS: TECHNIQUE FOR INSTALLATION

This video shows details of a very commonly used technique for anchoring cast stone (dry-vibrant tamp), architectural wet-pour precast, or GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) panels.

The AAS design and engineering process includes details for installation anchorage to confirm the final design aesthetic in the initial review, design assist process. With detailed drawings and coordination with masons and contractor, installation completes very smoothly.

The seamless integration of manufactured architectural stone panels makes it much simpler to design exterior cladding, and veneer applications with monolithic design accent.

AAS PROJECT EXECUTION: DESIGN SUPPORT: LEARN MORE >>

GFRC CONNECTIONS: MUCH SIMPLER INSTALLATION, INTEGRATION WITH BRICK WALL

GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) is much simpler to install because of its light weight and pre-engineered connections for anchorage with substrate.

See in this video details of GFRC connections, and how different stone pieces are custom designed and anchored for installation.

The AAS design team provides settings plan that clearly shows how different stone panels install together for overall design aesthetic.

The seamless integration of manufactured architectural stone panels makes it much simpler to design exterior cladding, and veneer applications with monolithic design accent.

This project also show how cast stone and GFRC can be combined with seamless color matching  opening up opportunities for simplified construction, value engineering, and at the same time unparalleled design freedom.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of GFRC Wall Panels. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.