Guide to Preventing Edge and Corner Damage in UHPC Component Transport: Full-Process Protection and Safety Assurance

Although UHPC components feature high strength, the tensile strength of their edges and corners is relatively low, and collisions and vibration during transportation can easily cause damage, directly affecting project schedules and costs. Drawing on 28 years of full-chain experience in the UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP industry, and through transportation practices in projects across China and overseas, Qinglong Group has developed a three-in-one anti-damage solution of "packaging protection, loading and securing, and transportation control", keeping the damage rate below 0.3%.

1. Edge and Corner Protection: Reducing Damage Risk at the Source

Edge and corner protection is the core of damage prevention during transportation. Qinglong adopts a "multi-layer composite protection" technology: first, 20-30mm thick rubber corner guards (Shore hardness 50-60) are attached to the edges and corners of components, covering all load-bearing surfaces; the exterior is then wrapped with non-woven fabric or pearl cotton to absorb minor impact energy; finally, fiberglass tape is wound around to secure everything, ensuring the protective layer does not fall off. For special-shaped components (such as curved moldings and hollow carved panels), custom foam sleeves matching the component contours are made, with focus on protecting protruding parts and weak points. For example, the UHPC hollow panels for the Ouargla Hotel in Algeria achieved an edge and corner damage rate of zero through custom foam sleeves. In addition, PE protective film is applied to component surfaces to prevent dust contamination and minor scratches during transportation.

2. Loading and Securing: Preventing Displacement and Collision During Transportation

Before loading, the transport vehicle must be inspected to ensure the cargo compartment is flat and free of sharp protrusions, with 50mm thick rubber pads or timber battens laid on the compartment floor to form a buffer layer. Component loading follows the principles of "classified placement, even load distribution, and secure fixing": flat panel components are placed vertically or at an incline (tilt angle 75-85°), separated and fixed with dedicated brackets at intervals of ≤1.5m to prevent tipping or squeezing; special-shaped components and oversized components (such as 12㎡ large panels) are fixed with custom cradles, with elastic gaskets at the contact points between the cradle and the component, and bolted to the compartment to ensure displacement of ≤5mm during transportation—the UHPC large panels for the Shanghai New World project adopted this solution. Gaps of ≥10cm are reserved between components and filled with foam blocks or pearl cotton to prevent mutual collision. Loading height must not exceed the compartment guardrail; any excess is protected with dedicated frames to avoid scratches and damage caused by overheight.

3. Transportation Process: Full-Process Control to Reduce Risks

Flatbed trucks or box trucks are preferred for transportation, with box trucks used for long-distance transport to avoid the effects of adverse weather. Routes are planned in advance to avoid bumpy road sections, sharp turns, and steep slopes. Driving speed is controlled at ≤40km/h in urban areas and ≤80km/h on highways, with reduced speed when turning or braking (≤20km/h), avoiding sudden acceleration or hard braking that could cause inertial collisions of components. At least 2 experienced drivers are assigned to take turns driving and reduce driver fatigue. During long-distance transport, stops are made every 2 hours to check the securing of components, with immediate reinforcement if any loosening is found. For overseas or long-distance transportation (≥1000km), container shipping is used, with components secured using a "double-layer fixing" system inside the container: the bottom is bolted to the container floor and the top is reinforced with tensioners, while desiccants are placed inside the container to prevent moisture damage.

4. Qinglong's Transportation Assurance System and Project Practice

Qinglong Group has a professional transportation team and logistics network, with multiple production bases and warehousing centers across the country, enabling nearby delivery and shortened transport distances. Backed by an annual production capacity of 600,000 square meters, Qinglong can deliver components in batches according to project schedules, reducing in-transit time. In the Shanghai Astronomy Museum public art project, Qinglong provided integrated services of "factory prefabrication—dedicated vehicle transport—on-site unloading", delivering a 3-meter-tall UHPC sculpture over 500km without any damage. For overseas projects (such as Malaysia and Saudi Arabia), Qinglong cooperates with professional international logistics companies to develop sea and land transport connection plans, ensuring components are delivered safely. In addition, Qinglong purchases insurance for every batch of transported components, reducing losses from damage risks and giving customers peace of mind.

Preventing edge and corner damage during UHPC component transportation is a comprehensive test of a company's logistics control capabilities. Qinglong Group always adheres to the principle of "customer first", with meticulous operations throughout the entire process from packaging protection and loading securing to transportation control. As a leading UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP supplier, Qinglong will continue to optimize transportation solutions and introduce advanced protection technologies and logistics equipment to provide customers with safe and efficient transportation services, ensuring components arrive intact at the construction site and supporting the smooth progress of projects.