GFRG Panel Construction: A Building Technique For low cost construction
Glass fibre reinforced gypsum (GFRG) panel or Rapid wall is a modern building element for mass-
scale construction of houses in a very short span of time. A GFRG panel is basically calcined
gypsum plaster, reinforced with glass fibres which when filled with reinforced concrete in an
appropriate proportion becomes strong enough to act as a load bearing and shear wall
The typical dimension of a GFRG
building panel is 12 x 3 x 0.127m
which weighs around 1.6 tons.
Most common use of GFRG panels is as a load bearing
walls. Cavities of walls can be unfilled or can be filled with
concrete or reinforced concrete depending on the load
coming on to the panels. Generally panels without filling
might be sufficient to carry loads up to two storeys. For
additional floors, the wall panels have to be strengthened
with concrete infilling or with reinforced.
Uses of GFRG in India
This technology was introduced in India in 2003, using all
kinds of gypsum. IIT Madras is carrying significant
research on the same in order to introduce affordable
mass housing construction.
Although the use of gypsum is limited, ''IIT Madras has
extended the use of panels as floor/roof slabs, staircase
waist, and landing slabs. A complete building system was
thus proposed by IIT Madras, with the use of GFRG
panels alone, with minimal use of concrete and steel,
and avoiding entirely the use of bricks.
Manufacture and Transportation of GFRG Panels
1.The manufacture of GFRG panels is done in a semi-automatic plant using the slurry obtained by heating the calcined raw gypsum.
2.The Calcined raw gypsum(plaster) is mixed with water, white cement and certain chemicals like D50(retarder) and BS94(water repellant) in a mixer.
3.Different layers of slurries are then spread over a table and are interspersed with glass fibres and aluminum plugs (for creating hollow cavities).
Advantages of Using GFRG Panels 4.After half an hour or so, the aluminum plugs are removed and the panels are sent to a dryer.
1) Quicker Construction
Buildings can be constructed in a month
with GFRG panels.
2) Economical
GFRG reduces the consumption of
cement by almost 50%, steel by 35% and
sand by an astonishing 76%.
3) Fire Resistant
In an event of fire, GFRG panels release A house project with low cost construction
15-20% moisture of its own weight which
largely reduces the surface temperature Plan of the house is given which is 2 BHK and the plot area is 150 sq.yard (1350sq.ft)
and fire damage. Following techniques is used for the low cost building construction
4) Earthquake Resistant
GFRG panels have been found to be Construction process with GFRG Panels
successful at resisting the impacts of
earthquakes in the fifth seismic zone as 1.The construction process up to the plinth level remains similar as in the conventional
their panels can be turned into shear method. No special foundation is required for the installation of GFRG panels.
walls as well.
5) Cooler than a Conventional building 2.Concrete belts are built at the plinth area with protruding iron rods which are meant to
When compared with the conventional strengthen the interlocking with the cells of the panel.
building materials, GFRG panels can keep
your building cooler by up to 4 degrees. 3.GFRG panels are placed at the appropriate positions using mechanical means, preferably a
crane, and external supports are provided to maintain the verticality. Necessary cuts for doors,
6) Strength and Durability
windows, sanitary fittings, vents etc. are made as per the design.
The strength and durability of GFRG
panels is five times that of the
4.The hollow cavities are filled with concrete and reinforcement as per the requirement to
conventional construction materials.
strengthen the panels. Generally, concrete is filled in every third cavity of the panel and the
Besides, gypsum is known for its
remaining cavities can be filled with waste materials like quarry dust.
strength and offers excellent
dimensional stability and durability.
5.Finally, waterproofing treatment is carried out for the roofs and floors of the building.
7) Water Resistant
Certain chemicals are added to the mix
during the manufacture of GFRG panels
which make them impervious to the
attack of water.
8) More Carpet Area
Since the thickness of the walls made
with GFRG panels is less (5 inches)
when compared with the conventional
walls (9 inches), a greater carpet area is
accessible in a GFRG building
Applications of GFRG Panels
1.As a light-weight bearing wall Ground floor plan
2.As high-capacity vertical and shear
load bearing wall
3.As partition wall
4.As roof slabs/horizontal floor Building Economics Submitted to: Ar.kapil Arora
5.As compound wall/Security wall
6.As pitched roofing House project with Submitted by:Anish(15120005)
7.As cladding in industrial structures Low cost construction
Techniques