Introduction to GRG
Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG or GRG) is an advanced material known for its strength, durability, and versatility. Made by reinforcing high-strength alpha gypsum with glass fibers, GRG can be molded into nearly any shape or size, making it ideal for interior or sheltered areas. As a non-combustible material with excellent flame spread and smoke development ratings (per ASTM E-84), GRG is lighter and stronger than traditional plaster castings, weighing only 2-3 pounds per square foot (10-15 kg/m²). These characteristics, combined with its use of post-consumer recycled materials and minimized framing requirements, make GRG a preferred choice for sustainable construction projects. Proper handling, packaging, and delivery are essential to preserving the quality and functionality of GRG products.
Packaging
Effective packaging ensures that GRG products maintain their integrity during storage and transportation. The following practices are recommended:
Product Placement: Finished GRG items should be stored with the longer side naturally placed and free from additional loads to prevent deformation.
Quality Checks: Before packaging, all products should undergo strict quality inspections. Key inspection points include size accuracy, surface quality, and color consistency to ensure compliance with client specifications.
Protective Layers: For bare GRG components, polystyrene foam or pearl wool should be used for interlayer protection and fixation. Painted GRG items should be individually wrapped with bubble film or pearl wool for enhanced protection.
Crate Specifications: Packaging should accommodate site constraints, such as elevator car dimensions. Crates should not exceed 2 meters in height or length and weigh no more than 1,000 kg. Crates must be made of durable slats and include space for ventilation at the bottom.
Dust and Moisture Protection: Fully seal the top and sides of the crates with plastic film to prevent dust and moisture ingress. Attach a copy of the packing list, sealed in a plastic bag, to the exterior of the crate.
Delivery
Proper transportation practices are critical to ensure the safe arrival of GRG products. The following guidelines should be followed:
Documentation: Ensure all packing lists and customs clearance documents are complete before shipment.
Loading Procedures: Use forklifts carefully to load GRG crates onto trucks, maintaining flatness and stability to prevent damage. Employ at least two freight companies to guarantee vehicle availability and reliability.
Transport Vehicles: Use 20-foot enclosed box trucks to protect products from weather, pollution, and damage during transit. Flat-bed trucks may only be used in consistently dry weather conditions.
Delivery Flexibility: GRG delivery schedules should align with the installation plan. When necessary, products can remain at the factory temporarily to reduce onsite storage requirements.
Onsite Unloading: Products should be delivered to the client’s designated indoor storage area. Onsite personnel must inspect the items for any transit-related damage and verify product quality.
Storage Recommendations: GRG items should remain in their crates until installation. Items must be stored upright with protective layers to avoid exposure to moisture or damage. Long-term crate storage should be avoided as it may compromise product integrity.
Handling Precautions: During unloading, manual handling should involve holding the edges of GRG panels. Mechanical unloading must ensure even support across the entire panel surface to prevent breakage.
Conclusion
With its lightweight strength, fire resistance, and sustainability, GRG is a material of choice for interior design and construction. Adhering to proper packaging and delivery protocols ensures that GRG products arrive in pristine condition, ready to contribute to innovative architectural projects. Through careful planning and execution, GRG’s full potential can be realized in transforming spaces with efficiency and style. If there are any question, Conshell will be glad to be contacted anytime.
