Fibre Focus - February 2025

Big change in the industry as the new British and European standards for GRC have now been published. These will serve as the foundation for GRC specifications moving forward so, if you haven't already, we highly recommend familiarising yourself with these new standards.

Some of the topics we'll be covering in this edition:

• The Washout Test?- Continuing our quality control series, read the full guide on the Washout Test
• RIKO Designs Sculptures - A fantastic example of how Fibre Technologies materials can be used in all manners of creative applications
• Capital Hill?- Read the full case study on the winner of 'The Best Project' Award at the 16th World GRCA Congress

GRC Guide

Everything You Need To Know About The Washout Test

The Washout Test is used to determine that the correct amount of glass fibre is being used and that the mechanical properties obtained from the finished product are in accordance with the specification.

Prior to carrying out the test, manufacturers must prepare test specimens taken from a test board prepared in a manner that represents the product in composition, manufacturing process and thickness.

Specimens are cut from the board in a green state using a sharp knife, ensuring that the test specimens have clean-edges. The size of each must be nominally 150 x 50mm and no less than 3 specimens should be taken from a test board to obtain a mean glass content for the board. These specimens should be chosen so to be as representative as possible of the total area of the board.

Once prepared, the specimens are ready to undergo the Washout Test...Read More

Note: Since writing this guide, the Washout Test has been removed from the European standards.

Customer Showcase

RIKO Designs Sculptures

RIKO Designs (Ricardo Gomes) is a sculptor and upcycling artist who utilises mixed mediums to create stunning works of art with concrete at its core.

Concrete can sometimes prove a tricky medium to work with however, with the right materials, anything is possible. In this case, Polycure FT has been used to assist with curing, enabling the artist to efficiently realise their vision by expediting the creative process.

Click here to see more of Ricardo's work or visit @rikoconcrete on Instagram.

You can find Polycure FT and a range of other specialist concrete products on our online store.

P.S. We always love to see the many ways that our customers use Fibre Technologies and Power-Sprays products, please don't hesitate to reach out if you want your work showcased in this newsletter and our socials - just email Sam at [email protected]

GRC Case Study

Capital Hill - Moscow, Russia

Nestled amongst the Barvikha Forest near Moscow, surrounded by a sea of towering pine and birch trees, stands a residence that defies traditional architectural conventions. Any person who, by chance, would stumble across the Capital Hill Residence may think they had come upon a scene from a futuristic fairy tale.

Defined by the natural topography of the surrounding area, the structure's unique form is partially embedded in some areas whilst, in others, its fluid geometries emerge from the landscape, flowing over the north-facing hillside in a fast-moving and organic manner.

Perhaps the most breath-taking aspect of this architectural feat is the separate volume 'floating' above the sprawling residence, standing on three structural concrete columns, 22-metres above the ground, offering spectacular views of the forest below...Read More

In Other News...

February Project Showcase

• February's Featured Project is Tumbonas de Concreto. These sleek, minimalist sun loungers were produced by Durezza GFRC.

Demonstration Days

• Interested in learning how our machinery works? We offer free demonstration days where you get the chance to try out our specialist GRC equipment range. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Order Materials Online

• Ordering specialist materials for GRC production has never been easier. Find everything you need to manufacture high-performance GRC on our online store.

Spare Parts Service

• The only issue with our machines is that they last so long, but luckily we're here to supply everything you need to keep your equipment working as good as new. Get in touch to order: [email protected]