Critical Review of use of Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG) Panels in Housing in India

Abstract

The rural housing shortage in India stands at 44 million dwelling units. India's urban housing shortage is 18.78 million units, of which 96% pertains to Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low-Income Group (LIG) type. Hence, the use of rapid techniques for time and cost-effective delivery of construction projects by adopting alternate building materials and fast construction methodologies is essential in India, given the tremendous housing shortage. Use of Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG) panels (also known as the rapid wall) construction is considered as one of the innovative solutions to meet this challenge. This product was originally developed and used since 1990 in Australia for mass-scale building construction. GFRG Panels are developed from gypsum which is abundantly available as an industrial by-product waste. These lightweight panels are fire-resistant, thermally insulated, earthquake tested waterproofed, rot-resistant, termite resistant, and 100% recyclable this conforming to eco-friendly or green building concept with savings in energy. This paper elaborates the critical reviewing the use of GFRG panels in the Indian construction industry through its comparison with Conventional construction system based on various functional, structural as well as economical parameters