The International Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete Association (GRCA) was formed over 45 years ago in October 1975 to serve this fast growing industry. The GRCA now has a membership of almost 100 GRC manufacturing companies, material and equipment suppliers, and professional people from over 25 countries with interest in this innovative building material growing rapidly.
The GRCA brings together all those with an interest in Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC / GFRC):
- To exchange knowledge and experience concerning GRC.
- To promote GRC in all its valid applications and advance the interests of its Members.
- Participate in establishing Codes of Practice and National Standards covering manufacture and performance.
- Organise International Conferences as a forum for discussing and disseminating GRC knowledge on materials, products and uses.
Modern history of GRC began in the 1960's when the Building Research Establishment translated the publication of the work carried out by K.L. and Yu.L. Biryukovich. They had experimented with E-glassfibres in low alkali cement. However, it was recognized that using special cements in conjunction with E-glass would have only limited applications and an alkali resistant fibre would be needed to reinforce Portland cement.
Another important function of the GRCA is the organisation of the International “GRC Congress”. This is a forum for the exchange of knowledge on technical and commercial developments and has always attracted an international attendance usually from more than 20 countries. Traditionally, they are held every 2-3 years. The first was held in 1975 at the then C&CA’s Fulmers Grange in Wexham Springs. To date, 18 Congresses have been organised with 3 more in the UK at Edinburgh, Cambridge and Stratford, then, due to increasing overseas membership, in Europe, [Paris, Copenhagen, Maastricht (2), Darmstadt, Strasbourg, Dublin, and Barcelona]. In recent years it has been held further afield, Hong Kong (2005), Prague (2008), Istanbul (2011), and Dubai (2015). In May 2023, the GRCA Congress returned to London, UK.
International GRC Association Officers & Council Members:
B Barragan (France): GRCA Council Member.
P Bartos (UK): GRCA Council Member.
A Bates (UK): GRCA Council Member.
S Borse (Oman): GRCA Council Member.
J Clarke (UK): GRCA Technical Officer.
J Dunthorne (UK): GRCA Council Member.
R Faulding (UK): GRCA Director, Council Treasurer & Technical WG Chair.
G Gilbert (UK): GRCA Council Member.
S Hertzum (Denmark): GRCA Director, Council Chair & Congress WG Chair.
B Kohen (Turkey): GRCA Council Member.
R Lavery (UK): GRCA Council Vice-Chair.
E P Nielsen (Denmark): GRCA Council Member.
B D Ponsin (Belgium): GRCA Council Member.
P Ridd (UK): GRCA Director & Council Member.
R M Ruiz (Spain): GRCA Council Member.
N Sparrow (UK): GRCA Director.
B Stoemmer (Germany): GRCA Council Member.
B Wayser (France): GRCA Council Member & Marketing WG Chair.
I White (UK): GRCA Director.
M Wood (UK): GRCA Council Member.