Key Points for Combining UHPC with Glass Curtain Walls: A Practical Guide from Qinglong's 28 Years of Cross-Industry Integration

Material complementarity enhances performance, and combined curtain walls achieve a dual upgrade in both function and aesthetics. The combined application of UHPC (Ultra-High Performance Concrete) and glass curtain walls not only leverages UHPC's shaping advantages and durability, but also highlights the transparent texture of glass, making it a popular choice for high-end building facades. However, the two materials differ significantly in performance, and their combined application requires solving key issues such as design coordination and mechanical matching. Drawing on 28 years of full-chain service experience, Qinglong Group has summarized a set of highly practical application guidelines to help projects achieve perfect implementation.

Design Coordination: BIM Technology Coordinates the Overall Plan The core of success for combined curtain walls lies in coordinated planning at the design stage. Qinglong uses BIM technology to build 3D models, simulating the dimensions, joints, and load conditions of UHPC components and glass curtain walls in an integrated manner. Based on architectural functional requirements, the application areas of the two materials are reasonably divided: UHPC components are used where sculptural expression and shading functions are needed, while glass curtain walls are selected in areas seeking transparency and natural light. In the Shanghai Astronomy Museum public art project, BIM technology precisely coordinated the connection between UHPC sculptures and glass curtain walls, achieving a perfect fusion of artistic form and functional requirements. Meanwhile, the design stage must fully consider the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the two materials and reserve reasonable deformation gaps.

Mechanical Matching: Ensuring Structural Safety and Stability UHPC and glass curtain walls differ significantly in mechanical properties, requiring scientific design to achieve load balance. During detailed design, Qinglong performs precise calculations of the overall load conditions of the combined curtain wall and optimizes the keel structure and connection methods to ensure UHPC components and glass curtain walls work together under load. Given the relatively heavy weight of UHPC panels, lightweight design and high-strength connectors are adopted to reduce overall structural loads; for glass curtain walls, safety glass meeting strength requirements is selected, paired with reliable fixing systems. In the Shenzhen Pingshan High-tech Zone Comprehensive Service Center project, mechanical optimization design successfully achieved a stable combination of UHPC curtain walls and glass curtain walls, and the project won Luban Award recognition.

Joint Treatment: Balancing Sealing and Aesthetics Joint treatment is a key aspect of combined applications, directly affecting the curtain wall's water tightness, air tightness, and appearance. Qinglong has designed dedicated sealing systems for the connection joints between the two materials, using sealants with strong weather resistance and good elasticity to ensure tight joint sealing and effective resistance to rainwater penetration. Meanwhile, refined processing techniques allow UHPC components to transition naturally with the glass curtain wall, avoiding gaps and level differences. In the Ouargla Hotel project in Algeria, the connection joints between perforated UHPC panels and the glass curtain wall were optimized multiple times, both ensuring sealing performance and delivering a clean, beautiful visual effect.

Construction Coordination: Orderly Progress Ensures Quality Construction of combined curtain walls requires a scientific coordination plan. Following the principle of "main structures first, auxiliary elements second; complex parts first, simple parts second," Qinglong arranges the installation sequence of UHPC components and the glass curtain wall appropriately. During installation, 3D laser scanning technology is used for real-time positioning to ensure installation accuracy; completed sections are promptly protected to prevent damage from cross-construction. In the later stage of construction, unified cleaning and inspection are carried out to ensure the combined curtain wall meets overall quality and appearance standards.

The combined application of UHPC and glass curtain walls is not only a complementarity of material properties, but also a fusion of design and construction technologies. With its full-chain service capabilities, Qinglong Group provides one-stop solutions for combined curtain wall projects, from detailed design to construction and installation.