UHPC Shrinkage Analysis: Breakthrough in Volume Stability of Ultra-High Performance Concrete

Shrinkage rate is the key to a material's dimensional stability, and UHPC solves the cracking problem through precise control. The shrinkage deformation of concrete is one of the main causes of structural cracking, especially in large-scale projects and special-shaped components, where shrinkage cracking can severely affect engineering quality and service life. Qinglong Group, as a technology leader in the UHPC field, has successfully controlled the shrinkage rate of UHPC to an extremely low level through 58 patented technologies and refined production management. So, exactly how low is the shrinkage rate of UHPC? How does it achieve a breakthrough in dimensional stability?

#Core Indicators of UHPC Shrinkage Rate and Industry Comparison The shrinkage rate of UHPC is far lower than that of ordinary concrete, demonstrating excellent dimensional stability. UHPC products produced by Qinglong have a drying shrinkage rate of ≤500×10⁻⁶ and an autogenous shrinkage rate of ≤200×10⁻⁶, while the drying shrinkage rate of ordinary concrete is typically 800-1200×10⁻⁶, or 1.6-2.4 times that of UHPC. This indicator not only meets the industry standard "General Technical Conditions for Non-Load-Bearing Components of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)" but also reaches the internationally advanced level. For engineering applications, a low shrinkage rate means that UHPC components undergo small volume changes during hardening and are less prone to shrinkage cracks, making them especially suitable for producing oversized and complex-shaped components, such as the 12㎡ super-large UHPC wood-effect translucent panels at Century Plaza on Nanjing East Road, Shanghai New World, where shrinkage was precisely controlled with no cracking whatsoever.

#Technical Approaches to Achieving Low Shrinkage Qinglong achieves precise control of the UHPC shrinkage rate through multi-dimensional technological innovation. First, it optimizes the material formulation by adopting a low water-binder ratio (≤0.20) to reduce free water content and lower drying shrinkage; second, it incorporates ultra-fine reactive powders and mineral admixtures, using pozzolanic reactions and hydration products to fill voids and compensate for shrinkage; third, it adds specialized expansion agents and fibers, where the expansion effect offsets part of the shrinkage while the restraint effect of steel fibers inhibits crack propagation; finally, it adopts a steam curing process to accelerate hydration reactions and reduce later-stage shrinkage deformation. In addition, Qinglong's self-developed "low-shrinkage UHPC formulation" optimizes the proportion of each component through orthogonal tests, further controlling the drying shrinkage rate within 400×10⁻⁶ and providing more stable dimensional performance for super-large components.

#Engineering Application Value and Cases of Low Shrinkage The low shrinkage rate of UHPC brings multiple values to projects: first, reducing shrinkage cracks and improving structural durability, as seen in the 12000㎡ UHPC exterior wall cladding panels at the Yangshengtang Pharmaceutical Hangzhou Industrial Park, which achieved crack-free installation thanks to the low shrinkage rate; second, reducing construction difficulty by eliminating the need for excessive expansion joints and simplifying the construction process, as in the UHPC curtain wall of the Shenzhen Yirui Biotechnology Building, which achieved continuous installation through its low shrinkage performance; third, ensuring the integrity of complex-shaped components, such as the UHPC sculpture at the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, over 3 meters tall, whose complex curved form avoided cracking risks thanks to the low shrinkage rate. In cross-border projects, the UHPC perforated panels of the Ouargla Hotel in Algeria maintained structural stability after long-distance transportation and on-site installation thanks to the low shrinkage rate, with no deformation or cracking issues.

The low shrinkage rate of UHPC is one of the core advantages that make it the preferred material for high-end projects. With 28 years of accumulated technical expertise, Qinglong Group has achieved a breakthrough in UHPC dimensional stability through formula optimization, process upgrades, and quality control. For designers and owners who pursue engineering quality and long-term stability, the low shrinkage rate of Qinglong UHPC not only solves the cracking problem but also enhances overall project quality and aesthetics, embodying the corporate motto of "meticulousness and the pursuit of excellence".