GRC Component Non-Destructive Testing Technology: The Invisible Guardian of Building Safety

Non-destructive testing is key to GRC quality control, accurately identifying hidden defects without causing damage from demolition. Internal defects and performance degradation in GRC components are often difficult to detect with the naked eye, while traditional destructive testing damages component integrity and compromises service safety. As a participant in formulating GRC industry standards, Qinglong Group has established a comprehensive non-destructive testing system. With 28 years of engineering experience, it skillfully applies a variety of non-destructive testing technologies to provide full-cycle quality assurance for the production, construction, and operation and maintenance of GRC components.

#Analysis of Common Non-Destructive Testing Methods for GRC Components Through project practice, Qinglong has developed a “multi-technology collaborative testing” model. Core testing methods include: ultrasonic testing technology, which identifies internal voids, uneven fiber distribution, and other defects in GRC based on sound wave propagation speed and attenuation — for example, in the GRC component testing for the Wuhan Han Show Theatre, it precisely identified 3 internal micro-cracks; the rebound hammer method, which estimates compressive strength by measuring the surface hardness of components and is suitable for rapid screening of large-area components — Qinglong applied this method to complete strength testing of 120,000㎡ of roofing GRC components in the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center project; electromagnetic induction testing, used to detect the corrosion degree and location of steel reinforcement or anchor bolts inside GRC, ensuring the safety of anchoring systems; infrared thermal imaging testing, which quickly reveals internal voids, abnormal moisture content, and other issues — it played an important role in the testing of double-curved GRC components at the Nanning New Media Center.

#Standardized Process Control for Non-Destructive Testing Non-destructive testing of GRC components must follow strict process specifications. In the preparation stage, Qinglong’s technical team collects component design drawings, production process parameters, and other materials to define the testing scope and priorities; during on-site testing, a grid-based point layout method is used to ensure comprehensive coverage, with no fewer than 3 testing points per component and data recorded to two decimal places; in the analysis stage, results from multiple testing methods are cross-verified to avoid the limitations of any single technology. For example, in the Dongguan Women and Children’s Activity Center project, combined ultrasonic and infrared thermal imaging testing accurately identified internal defects in 5 GRC curtain wall panels, which were promptly replaced. Meanwhile, Qinglong has established testing data archives to enable quality traceability.

#Non-Destructive Testing Priorities in Different Scenarios In the production stage, non-destructive testing focuses on the internal quality of GRC components, with emphasis on whether fiber content meets standards and whether defects such as air bubbles and voids exist — the sampling inspection rate at Qinglong’s production bases is no less than 10% per batch; in the construction stage, the focus is on testing anchoring reliability and joint quality after component installation — for example, in the Shenzhen Longhua Xiangshan Science and Technology Park project, electromagnetic induction testing confirmed the installation depth and firmness of anchor bolts; in the operation and maintenance stage, regular non-destructive testing is performed on GRC components of existing buildings to monitor strength degradation, corrosion, and other conditions, providing a basis for maintenance — for example, through the annual non-destructive testing service Qinglong provides for the Shanghai Xinghewan project, 2 loose anchor bolt issues were identified and resolved in a timely manner.

#Qinglong’s Testing Technology Advantages and Industry Contributions Qinglong has a professional non-destructive testing team equipped with advanced instruments such as ultrasonic detectors and infrared thermal imagers, and all testing personnel hold professional certifications. As a participant in formulating the Technical Standard for Architectural Application of Glass Fibre Reinforced Cement (GRC), Qinglong has incorporated non-destructive testing technical requirements into the standard’s content, promoting standardized testing across the industry. In addition, Qinglong has accumulated vast testing data and established a defect database for GRC components, providing support for technical optimization; its testing technologies and methods have been adopted as references by multiple peer enterprises.

Non-destructive testing technology provides scientific assurance for the quality and safety of GRC components and is an important support for the high-quality development of the GRC industry. With its standardized and professional non-destructive testing system spanning the entire life cycle of GRC projects, Qinglong Group eliminates quality risks for owners and provides designers with reliable material performance data, demonstrating the technical strength and sense of responsibility of an industry leader.