Glassfibre reinforced concrete (GRC) based on AR (alkali resistant) glassfibre reinforcement has been used worldwide since the early 1970s. One of the earliest trials of the practical use of GRC - by the former UK Building Research Station - was a sound barrier on the M4 motorway near London.

A comprehensive range of current topics regarding the development, production technology and use of GRC will be discussed at the 12th GRCA International Congress, GRC 2001, from May 14 to 15 in Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

GRC has proved to be a wonderful material in the Gulf for a whole range of applications but just as the people were receptive to the introduction of GRC, so they are constantly looking at new materials. GRC manufacturers must be alert not only to threats from other materials but also from imported GRC products from lower-wage economies.