About the International Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete Association (GRCA)
Founded in October 1975, the International Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete Association (GRCA) is headquartered in the United Kingdom, with a global membership, and has served the global GRC industry for 50 years. What began as a response to a fast-growing construction material has developed into a truly international organisation. Today, the GRCA includes almost 100 members – comprising GRC manufacturers, material and equipment suppliers and professionals from nearly 30 countries – reflecting the expanding global interest in this innovative building technology.
The GRCA brings together all those involved in Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC/GFRC) with the following aims:
- To exchange knowledge and experience across the industry
- To promote GRC in all suitable applications and support the interests of its Members
- To contribute to the development of codes of practice, specifications, national and international standards relating to GRC manufacture, installation and performance
- To organise International congresses as forums for sharing the latest developments in materials, products and applications
The Origins of GRC
The modern history of GRC dates back to the 1960s, when the UK’s Building Research Establishment translated the pioneering work of K.L. and Yu.L. Biryukovich. Their experiments with E-glass fibres in low-alkali cement showed promise, but limitations became apparent, particularly when using E-glass with Portland cement. It was soon recognised that a more durable, alkali-resistant fibre was required for broader applications, leading to the development of today’s high-performance GRC.
The International GRC Congress
A key activity of the GRCA is the organisation of the International GRC Congress – a global event for exchanging ideas and insights on technical and commercial developments in GRC. Held every 2–3 years, the Congress regularly attracts delegates from more than 20 countries.
The first Congress took place in 1975 at C&CA’s Fulmer Grange in Wexham Springs, UK. Since then, 18 Congresses have been held, including events in:
UK: Edinburgh, Cambridge, Stratford-upon-Avon
Europe: Paris, Copenhagen, Maastricht (twice), Darmstadt, Strasbourg, Dublin, Barcelona
Worldwide: Hong Kong (2005), Prague (2008), Istanbul (2011), Dubai (2015)
Our last Congress returned to London in May 2023.
Recognising the rapid growth of GRC as a material and a product in the region, our next Congress will take place in Mumbai in 2026.
The International Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete Association (GRCA)
Based in United Kingdom, with GRCA Members throughout the World.
A Company Limited By Guarantee, Registered in England: 01398450,
Registered Office: Fairfax House, 6a Mill Field Road, Cottingley, Bingley, BD16 1PY, UK
VAT Registration Number: GB 113 9195 20
International GRC Association Officers & Council Members:
B Barragan (France): GRCA Council Member.
S Borse (Oman): GRCA Council Member.
G Gilbert (UK): GRCA Council Member.
R Lavery (UK): GRCA Council Vice-Chair.
M Monnanteuil (France): GRCA Council Member
V Abbenati (Germany): GRCA Council Member
P Bartos (UK): GRCA Council Member.
B Duparc Ponsin (France): GRCA Council Member
E Wilson (UK): GRCA Council Member
M Huber (UK): GRCA Council Member.
B Kohen (Turkey): GRCA Council Member.
B D Ponsin (Belgium): GRCA Council Member.
R M Ruiz (Spain): GRCA Council Member.
S Hertzum (Denmark): GRCA Director, Council Chair & Congress WG Chair.
R Faulding (UK): GRCA Director, Council Treasurer & Technical WG Chair.
B Wayser (France): GRCA Council Member & Marketing WG Chair.
P Ridd (UK): GRCA Director.
I White (UK): GRCA Director.