Fibre Focus - September 2024

Welcome to the new Fibre Focus newsletter, written by the POWER-SPRAYS LIMITED and Fibre Technologies International Ltd. team. Every month, we'll be taking a look at different areas of the Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete industry; discussing GRC's versatile uses, showcasing incredible projects, creating detailed case studies, and spotlighting the best GRC equipment and materials in the business.

You'll likely already know us, but here's a brief introduction:

We are experts in all things GRC.

After being established 1962, Power-Sprays soon became heavily involved with the development of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete in 70's and now, over five decades later, we enjoy the position of being the leading manufacturer of specialist GRC production equipment in the world.

Fibre Technologies was established a little later, in 1990, with the aim of supplying some of the highest quality specialist GRC materials to help our customers get the most out of their production processes. Keeping to that aim, we continue to supply materials to our worldwide customer base with the assistance of our global network of suppliers.

But enough about us, let's talk Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete.

Keep reading to learn more about:

• GRC in Interior Design: How are designers utilising Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete to bring their creative visions to life?
• Barmouth Bridge: Nearly 45 years later, how well are these GRC casings withstanding the severest of saltwater environments?
• The Sayyida Fatima bint Ali Mosque: A masterpiece in architectural GRC cladding application, this ornate structure in Seeb, Oman, is September's featured GRC project.
• The Concentric Spray Gun: The absolute pinnacle of GRC spraying devices, have you used it in your GRC manufacturing process?

Blog - Stylish Uses of GRC in Interior Design

Have you read the latest entry in the GRC Journal?

From modern, contemporary designs, to faithful reproductions of traditional elements, Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC/GFRC) has proved itself time and again to be the material of choice for crafting immaculate interior features.

Thanks to the Alkali-Resistant Glass Fibres at the core of the material's composition, GRC manufacturers can craft products that demonstrate far superior strength, in comparison to traditional concrete compositions, whilst maintaining the ability to be moulded into an endless variety of shapes. Moreover, products made using GRC can mimic a wide array of colours, surface textures, and finishes, meaning that it can serve as a durable alternative to materials such as wood or metal.

So, how are designers using Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete to create stylish and stunning features for interior spaces? Read more...

We regularly update our GRC Journal with content surrounding the GRC industry, you can find all of our blogs here.

Case Study - Barmouth Bridge

Ever wondered how GRC fares in some of the harshest conditions?

In 1980, casings were made from Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete were used as permanent formwork for casting protective/repair bases to the wooden columns supporting Barmouth Bridge on the west coast of Wales. The original wooden columns had been weakened by Ship Worm.

The GRC casings are in the severest of saltwater environments (the tidal, wet/dry zone) yet, nearly 45 years later, the GRC remains in good condition (pictured above) and continues to provide an outer protective barrier to the concrete and the wood within. Read more...

Learn more about the innovative and proven applications of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete in our case study section on our website.

Featured Project - The Sayyida Fatima bint Ali Mosque

September's featured GRC project is the stunning Sayyida Fatima bint Ali Mosque, built in Seeb, Oman, with GRC cladding features produced by Al Tasnim.

Built on a total area of 63,000 square metres with a building area of 8,100 square metres, the structure consists of an array of breath-taking Mamluk architectural style features that capture the aesthetic versatility of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete.

You can find this project amongst many other incredible GRC structures in our annual calendar. Our 2025 GRC calendar is already complete but if you want to have a project of your own featured in the 2026 edition, don't hesitate to get in touch:

[email protected]

Equipment Showcase - The Concentric Spray Gun

Our signature piece of specialist GRC equipment, the Concentric Spray Gun, represents the pinnacle of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete spraying applications.

This innovative spray gun allows for cement/sand slurry and glass fibre to be projected from the same nozzle to ensure even fibre distribution throughout the mix.?

The glass fibre is cut to length within the rear chopping mechanism whilst compressed air propels the chopped fibres through the atomiser body nozzle. Simultaneously, slurry is conveyed to the nozzle from the pump and is emitted from an annulus surrounding the fibre. The compressed air, supplied direct from the nozzle, atomises the slurry and the two materials are projected as a composite.?A water flush facility, controlled from the overhead boom, is fitted as standard.?

Lighter and with more flexible airlines than previous models, this gun is remarkably easy to use. Additionally, for further ease of use, the spray station can be remotely started and stopped from the spray gun whilst all other controls are now located on the boom.

Download the Concentric Spray Gun brochure to discover more of its' innovative features. Click here.

We offer free demonstration days where visitors get the opportunity to use this spray gun along with our other specialist GRC equipment, get in touch if you're interested in booking:

[email protected]

We'll see you in October for the second edition of Fibre Focus.

Until then, if you have any suggestions or would like to contribute to next month's newsletter, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Sam at:

[email protected]