GFRG is a viable and tested method to construct economical homes

GFRG (Glass fiber reinforced gypsum) is an Australian technology which will save construction cost 20-30%.This have been used by Australians since 1990’s only as walls.

Professors from IIT Madras made research and found out this technology can be used for all structural elements such as walls,floors and roofs in a building.They have built a 2 storey model house in IIT campus 2013 which was completed in 30 days for 6.5 lakhs/flat.

What is GFRG and how is it better than conventional building?

GFRG stands for Glass fiber reinforced gypsum.These panels are manufactured using phosphogypsum which is a waste material from fertilizer industry and glass fiber used as a reinforcement. GFRG panel image is shown below.

GFRG is of 12 m in length and 3 m in height.The hollow cavities inside the panel is filled with concrete to provide more strength to the panel.Every third cavity is filled with concrete and reinforced with steel.Other cavities can be filled with waste material such as Quarry dust or fly ash depending on the local availability to make them more economic and Eco-friendly.