themed CONCEPTS ®
Setting the standard in custom environments since 1971.
THEMING?
We Wrote The Book On That
855-724-3270 • themedconcepts.com
trust us... we’re professionals
themed CONCEPTS
®
We didn’t just perfect the process...
We created it.
Since 1971 Themed Concepts’ management team has been involved in the theming industry, installing projects
all over the world.
In 1976,
as the Minnesota Zoo was being constructed, they were searching for ways to create exhibits with more realistic environments involving simulated rocks and trees. Intrigued by the request, our team developed, manufactured and installed what is believed to be the of first installation GFRC (glass-fiber-reinforced-concrete) rockwork in the world for this project using our own developed system for forming and application. Since the successful completion of that first GFRC installation, we began installing artificial rocks and trees all over the world - in zoos, amusement parks, hotels & resorts, restaurants and more.
only natural
It was that our theming expertise led us into the imaginative world of playgrounds, and we created our first play site in the City of Edina, Minnesota. Even ten years later, while other playgrounds are broken, faded or simply out-dated, our original playground remains a local attraction, keeping its participants physically and mentally active and eager to play and imagine time and time again! To date, our team has designed and built literally thousands of themed play features, becoming experts at playground safety guidelines and requirements. The at Themed Concepts believes that anything is possible. If it can be imagined, it can design team be built. We have designed and built playgrounds with every theme imaginable; from pirate ships to dinosaurs, fairytale castles to tree houses - and everything in between. The team at Themed Concepts continues to lead the industry with new innovations and time-tested results. Ask one of our representatives about a Themed Concepts environment close to you!
855-724-3270 • themedconcepts.com
What is GFRC? Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) is a concrete mixture created from a combination of Portland cement, silica sand, alkaline resistant chopped fiberglass and may include any combination of additives. Once the raw materials are prepared, measured, and blended appropriately, the mixture is then expertly applied in thin layers into a product mold. GFRC is uniquely beneficial in that it is capable of making lightweight decorative concrete products while maintaining large load capacities and unparalleled overall strength. All professionally mixed and placed concrete has great compression strength, but it is not flexible and has practically no tensile strength. Large cracks commonly occur in concrete applications due to drying, shrinkage and movement. When cracks form in concrete, the severity of the crack will depend on how much reinforcement is present in the concrete. However, Alkaline resistant chopped fiberglass, when added to concrete mixtures correctly, adds advanced flexibility and lightens the weight of the concrete creating Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. The alkaline resistant chopped fiber glass gives GFRC three times higher tensile strength than that of unreinforced concrete and will help prevent anything larger than standard hairline cracks in the finished product. At Themed Concepts, our new, proprietary GFRC formula, ThemeCRETE®, has been created utilizing decades of application experience and field observations along with the most modern technologies available. Our ability to enhance the finest details in our product stems from a combination of expertise honed over decades of working with and pioneering advances in GFRC environments.
What’s in YOUR product? GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) is a specific type of concrete product that must contain Alkaline Resistant Chopped Fiberglass. Without this key ingredient, all the strength and flexibility benefits of GFRC are removed, leaving just standard concrete behind. There are only a handful of manufacturers around the world who create this special form of fiberglass. Ask your theming manufacturer if they are providing true GFRC in their concrete products.
In order to ensure the highest levels of craftsmanship, all molds and sculptures utilized by Themed Concepts are created by our own team of in-house sculptors and artistic professionals. We understand that developing and maintaining our own library of molds will ensure a level of quality and consistency that our customers can count on for decades to come. Each sculpted piece requires different mold making materials and techniques as well as the experience to execute the mold and construction properly. Themed Concepts has over 30 years of experience in making our own molds, and it’s that knowledge of both molding and casting GFRC that gives us a definitive edge over the competition. Purchase your next themed environment from a company able to create concrete products that look real, feel real, are relatively easy to handle, and will stand the test of time. Themed Concepts’ ThemeCRETE mix has over 30 years of experience backing it up. We actively search for new and improved additives to further enhance our formula to meet current concrete expectations for strength and longevity. For your next themed project, demand a high level of expertise in artistic creation, a product you can count on, a team with the ability to execute your vision and a company with a history of honesty and integrity. Choose Themed Concepts for your next custom environment project. Call a representative today for more information.
bridge the gap from imagination to reality
855-724-3270 • themedconcepts.com
you move mountains
themed CONCEPTS
速
we build them
Facts & Specifications about GFRC
Features of
gfrc
•Advanced Bending Strength •Great Impact Strength •Tough and Crack Resistant •Lightweight Products •Allows for Artistic Design
Fiber Percent Specific Gravity (dry state) MOR LOP Modulus of Elasticity UTS BOP outward inward outward inward between layers
Bending Strength
Tensile Strength Strength
Compressive Strength Share Strength
Unit
Premix Method
Plain Mortar
wt.%
5
3
-
pcf
110-135
105-130
120-145
psi psi
3500-5000 1000-1800
1400-2800 1000-1800
700-1100 700-1100
x10 psi psi psi psi psi psi psi psi 2
Charpy Impact Strength Poisson's Ratio Water
Water Absorbing Ratio Shrinking Ratio (dry state)
Heat
Thermal Conductivity Thermal Expansion Coefficient
2.1-3.6 2.0-3.4 2.1-3.6 1400-2100 850-1550 400-700 700-1000 700-1000 400-700 8000-14000 5000-11000 5000-8000 5000-11000 5000-11000 5000-8000 3500-5000 1400-2800 250-700 1000-1700 700-1400 250-700 250-500 500-850 250-700
in.lb/in
80-140 0.3
50-110 0.3
5-10 0.3
% %
10-15 0.1-0.2
10-15 0.1-0.2
9-14 0.05-0.15
Btu/f·h·˚F
0.5-0.9
0.5-0.9
0.5-0.9
4-7
4-7
4-7
6
x10- /˚F
Net or Sewn Fiber Direct-Spray-up Method
Spray-up Method
6
of GFRC Used with
Comparison in Direct Spray-up Method
PROPERTIES OF GFRC Item
Bending Strength
With Net TDS 5x10 With Net TD 5x5 With Net TM 18x18 With Sewn Fiber
LOP
0
Incombustibility
Sound
Transmission Loss (GFRC thickness of 0.6 inch) Test at Sonics Lab Musashi Institute of Technology
db
125 Hz 250 500 1000 2000
Premix Method With Net TDS 5x10 With Net TD 5x5 With Net TM 18x18
Thickness of GFRC-0.4 inch Glass Fiber-Chopped Strands in 1 inch 5 wt.% Location of net or sewn fiber-0.08 inch from tensed side. No of sheets or net or sewn fiber-Place 2 sheets in parallel position. Age-28 days, standard composition
With Sewn Fiber
27 30 35 39 40
LOP
0
1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000
stress strain curves of gfrc GFRC Forming: Spray-up Method / Fiber Percent:5 wt.% / Values after 28 days cure
6,000 B (MOR)
Stress (psi)
5,000 4,000
GFRC
3,000 A (LOP)
2,000 1,000
Plain Mortar
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
MOR
1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000
Comparison in Premix Method
Incombustible building material
Fire
Thickness of GFRC-0.4 inch Glass Fiber-Rovings chopped in 1 inch 5 wt.% Location of net or sewn fiber-0.08 inch from tensed side. No of sheets or net or sewn fiberPlace 2 sheets in parallel position. Age-28 days, standard composition
0.9
1.0
Strain (%)
GFRC acts as an elastic solid up to point A (Limit of Proportionality). The curves between A (LOP) and B (MOR) illustrate the fact that only glass fiber contributes to the reinforcement, which is the main characteristic of GFRC’s high impact strength.
855-724-3270 • themedconcepts.com
MOR
Creating a Custom Play Site
Howdo we get started?
1. Call Us!
Have an idea? Need one? No problem, we’ve worked with everything from extensive blueprint designs to almost no details at all. No matter what level of planning you’re comfortable with, we’re here to help!
2. Choose your major manufacturer. The easiest way to design your play site is to begin with equipment from a major playground manufacturer. This will allow you to select product that will establish general guidelines for your playground area such as length, width, ADA compliance, number of landings, etc. Not sure what equipment to use? No problem. Give us a call and we’ll help you select the right equipment for your needs. If you’d rather not use a major manufacturer for the base of your site, that’s fine too! Our designers are happy to design you a one-of-a-kind, fully customized playground!
3. Design it! Our team of artists are ready to bring your vision to life! After product and general layout choices are made, now the fun begins! Work with our design team to create the perfect aesthetic for your site or customer. From simple sketches to miniature scale models, we’ll do what it takes to help you seal the deal!
3. Install it!
We understand installing pieces this large can seem daunting...Relax! Themed Concepts offers a number of ways to assist your installers, from training courses to sending you an onsite supervisor. Call us to discuss your options.
themed CONCEPTS
®
relax
we’ve got it covered
855-724-3270 • themedconcepts.com
everything you can imagine
is real
-Pablo Picasso
Unparalleled Capabilities
Themed Concepts is unmatched in custom theming due to our attention to detail and vast array of capabilities. Our team of skilled artists have expertise that span across a number of mediums. Here are just a few examples:
Metal Fabrication
When it comes to making dynamic environments created using metal fabrication, Themed Concepts is second to none. Using only the most skilled welders and metal artisans, our team is capable of creating any theme using mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum. From heavy industrial gauge plates to more fine and delicate designs, we’re happy to create a solution for your next project.
Aquatic Theming
At Themed Concepts, we have a long tradition in Water Parks and Aquariums. We’ve installed many custom aquatic environments and have worked on some of the most stunning Aquariums in the country.
GFRC Custom Textures
It’s what we’re know for. Whether it’s a specific woodgrain, a vintage cobblestone street, or a limestone waterfall; our textures wont be beat. With the addition of shadows and highlights added by our custom airbrush artists, you can rest easy knowing you’re working with the best there is.
Cargo Net Design
Beginning with our signature net barriers created over 20 years ago, our expertise in cargo net design has been honed over the years to include custom bird nest climbers and giant spider webs. The sky is the limit, and we can build a net climber to get you there.
Unique Play Events
Attention to Detail
Sometimes it’s the small additions and pops of detail that make the environment come alive. At Themed Concepts, we know how to add just the right amount of extra attention and detail to make your site a success.
Want to climb into a barn loft on the backs of farm animals? No problem. Slide down the paw of a petrified saber-tooth tiger? We can do that. No matter the environment, the designers at Themed Concepts will design creative play into your site with style.
855-724-3270 • themedconcepts.com
Setting the standard in custom environments since 1971.
themedconcepts.com
Toll Free 855-724-3270