Solving UHPC Curtain Wall Thermal Expansion and Contraction Challenges: Qinglong's Crack-Resistant Solution Built on 28 Years of Technical Expertise

Scientifically addressing thermal deformation keeps UHPC curtain walls stable through all four seasons. UHPC curtain walls have become the preferred choice for high-end buildings thanks to their high strength and high durability; however, if the thermal expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes is not handled properly, it can easily lead to panel cracking, sealant failure, and other risks. As a company that participated in drafting the industry standard "General Technical Requirements for Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) Non-Load-Bearing Components", Qinglong Group, drawing on 28 years of hands-on experience, has developed a multi-dimensional solution for thermal expansion and contraction to ensure the long-term stable operation of curtain walls.

Material-intrinsic empowerment: UHPC's own low-shrinkage properties UHPC material itself possesses the core advantages of low shrinkage and high toughness, laying the foundation for handling thermal expansion and contraction. The UHPC curtain wall panels produced by Qinglong use carefully selected aggregates and specialty admixtures; through optimized mix proportion design, the drying shrinkage rate is controlled at an extremely low level. At the same time, high-performance fibers are added to effectively suppress micro-cracks caused by thermal stress, maintaining structural stability even in the extreme temperature range of -30°C to 60°C. This property has been verified in overseas projects such as the Ouargla Hotel in Algeria, where the project's 50mm-thick UHPC hollow panels have withstood years of temperature fluctuations without any cracking or deformation.

Design-stage anticipation: reserving expansion space and optimizing joints Sound design is the key to solving thermal expansion and contraction. During the detailed design stage, Qinglong simulates thermal deformation trends using BIM technology based on the climate conditions of the project site, and scientifically sets expansion joints. For extra-long-span UHPC curtain walls, the spacing of expansion joints is kept within a reasonable range, and flexible connection joints are used to absorb deformation. In the Shenzhen Yirui Biotechnology Building project, differentiated expansion compensation schemes were designed for different types of UHPC panels (flat panels, L-shaped panels, and inclined panels), ensuring that the overall curtain wall deforms in a coordinated manner under temperature changes.

Installation workmanship assurance: flexible connections and precise construction Flexible design at the installation stage is an important means of addressing thermal expansion and contraction. Qinglong uses customized flexible connectors that allow UHPC curtain wall panels to move a certain amount as temperatures change, avoiding the stress concentration caused by rigid connections. During construction, panel installation gaps and sealant application quality are strictly controlled, and sealing materials with strong weather resistance and good elastic recovery are selected, ensuring water tightness while accommodating thermal deformation. In the Shanghai Astronomy Museum public art project, UHPC sculptural components over 3 meters in size were installed using flexible fixing methods, successfully meeting the deformation challenges posed by dramatic outdoor temperature differences.

Post-operation monitoring: dynamically safeguarding curtain wall stability Long-term monitoring and maintenance can further mitigate the risks of thermal expansion and contraction. Qinglong establishes an operation and maintenance file for each project, regularly inspects the curtain wall's displacement changes and sealing conditions with professional equipment, and promptly replaces aged sealant and connectors. With technical support from its provincial-level R&D center, it also provides hazard inspection and upgrade services for thermal expansion and contraction issues in older projects, extending the service life of curtain walls.

Addressing thermal expansion and contraction in UHPC curtain walls requires full-chain management covering materials, design, construction, and operation & maintenance. Centered on technological R&D, Qinglong Group leverages its standard-setting experience and extensive project practice to provide tailored solutions for all types of buildings.