Analysis of Connection Methods Between UHPC Decorative Components and the Main Structure: Safety, Stability, and Compatibility

The connection between UHPC decorative components and the main structure is a critical link in architectural decoration engineering, and the connection method directly affects component stability, safety, and service life. Drawing on 28 years of experience in the construction and installation of UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP components, Qinglong Group has developed a variety of mature connection methods suited to different building structures and component types, providing safe and reliable connection solutions for over a thousand projects.

1. Dry-Hanging Connection: The Mainstream Choice for High-End Projects????

Dry-hanging connection is the most commonly used connection method for UHPC decorative components, especially suitable for exterior wall decoration and large component installation. Its core principle is to suspend components on the main structure through embedded parts and connectors, without relying on cement mortar adhesion, offering advantages such as easy installation, replaceability, and good seismic performance. In the 30,000-square-meter GRC/UHPC curtain wall project at the Shenzhen Pingshan High-tech Zone Comprehensive Service Center, Qinglong adopted dry-hanging connection, fixing components with stainless steel hangers and embedded parts of the main structure, with installation accuracy controlled within ±2mm. Depending on component weight and size, dry-hanging can be divided into point hanging, line hanging, and surface hanging: small components use point hanging, while large components use line hanging or surface hanging to ensure uniform load distribution. This method is compatible with various main structures such as concrete structures and steel structures, and is the first choice for commercial complexes and landmark buildings.

2. Embedded Connection: Combining Concealment and Stability

Embedded connection involves partially embedding UHPC components into reserved slots in the main structure, then fixing them with cement mortar or special adhesive. It features concealed connections and strong integrity. In the installation of interior GRG/UHPC components for the Guiyang Huaguoyuan project, Qinglong adopted embedded connection, embedding components into the main structure to a depth of no less than 50mm and filling them tightly with polymer cement mortar to ensure a secure connection. This method is suitable for small and medium-sized components, interior decorative components, and landscape components, such as decorative moldings, window surrounds, and flower beds, effectively preventing exposed connectors from affecting the decorative effect. Embedded connection requires slots to be reserved in advance during main structure construction, with slot dimension deviations controlled within ±3mm to ensure precise embedding of components.

3. Welded Connection: A Reliable Choice for Large and Heavy Components

Welded connection fixes the embedded parts of UHPC components to the embedded parts of the main structure through welding. It is suitable for large, heavy UHPC components, such as large sculptures and thick exterior wall panels. In the installation of UHPC public art sculptures over 3 meters tall at the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, Qinglong adopted welded connection, with full welding applied to the weld seams plus anti-corrosion coating to ensure connection strength and durability. Welded connection must be performed by professional welders, and flaw detection should be carried out after welding to avoid welding defects; meanwhile, cooling measures must be taken during welding to prevent high temperatures from affecting the performance of UHPC components. This method provides firm connections with strong load-bearing capacity, but later maintenance is relatively difficult, so it is mostly used for heavy components in permanent installations.

In addition, there are auxiliary methods such as adhesive bonding and bolt connection, which can be used in combination according to actual project needs. As a Grade II professional contractor for building curtain wall engineering, Qinglong Group follows the principle of "safety first, adaptability priority" when selecting connection methods, making comprehensive decisions based on factors such as main structure type, component size and weight, and service environment, and uses BIM technology to simulate the stress conditions of connection joints to optimize design schemes. From the Wuhan Han Show Theatre to the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, Qinglong's connection technology has been verified by over a thousand projects.