How to Integrate UHPC Forms with Metal Components? Qinglong's Diverse Connection Technologies and Coordinated Solutions

The combination of UHPC shapes with metal components must balance structural stability, durability, and visual harmony. Through four core methods—embedded connection, mechanical anchoring, welded fixing, and nesting jointing—the two can work together efficiently to meet the requirements of different scenarios. With 28 years of experience in dissimilar material joining, Qinglong Group has achieved precise bonding of UHPC with stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and other metal components in projects such as the Pop Mart Commercial Space in Shanghai and Dongzhu Shangdu Commercial City in Guangzhou, with pull-out strength at connection points ≥8kN and a service life matching the main structure.

1. Embedded Connection: Integrated Molding, the First Choice for Stability

Core process: During the UHPC shape production stage, metal inserts (steel plates, bolts, lifting lugs, etc.) are precisely pre-embedded at preset positions and molded integrally with the UHPC substrate, with insert anchoring depth ≥50mm to ensure even load distribution. Qinglong's embedded connections use customized metal inserts with hot-dip galvanized surfaces (galvanized layer thickness ≥80μm), offering excellent corrosion resistance. Application scenarios: connecting large UHPC sculptures to metal bases, fixing UHPC curtain walls to metal keels. In Qinglong's 3-meter-high UHPC sculpture project at the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, connection was achieved through an embedded stainless steel base and metal brackets, with seismic performance meeting Level 7 standards. Key technical points: insert positioning error ≤±2mm; shear pins are used to enhance connection strength. Qinglong's embedded connections have been pull-out tested with pull-out force ≥10kN, far exceeding the industry average.

2. Mechanical Anchoring: Convenient On-Site Installation, Flexible Adaptation

Core process: Preset holes are made in UHPC shapes, and the shapes are connected to metal components via mechanical fasteners such as stainless steel bolts and expansion anchors, with bolt spacing ≤300mm to ensure balanced loading. Qinglong's mechanical anchoring uses high-strength stainless steel bolts with tensile strength ≥ Grade 8.8, suitable for UHPC components of different thicknesses. Application scenarios: connecting small and medium-sized UHPC decorative moldings to metal window frames, fixing UHPC panels to metal hangers. In the UHPC decorative molding project at Agile Binjiang Garden in Nanjing, mechanical anchoring enabled rapid installation with 40% improved efficiency. Key technical points: UHPC holes are drilled using diamond drilling technology with diameter error ≤±0.3mm, and hole walls are polished to prevent cracking. Qinglong is equipped with professional drilling equipment, achieving hole machining accuracy of ±0.2mm.

3. Welded Fixing: High-Strength Connection for Heavy-Load Scenarios

Core process: Metal connectors pre-embedded inside the UHPC are site-welded to external metal components, with weld height ≥6mm and welding strength matching the base material. Qinglong's welded fixing uses CO2 gas shielded welding to reduce the impact of high temperatures on the UHPC substrate. Application scenarios: connecting large UHPC cantilevered shapes to metal support structures, fixing UHPC landscape bridges to metal railings. In the UHPC special-shaped double-curved panel project at Poly Peninsula No.1 in Hainan, connection to the metal steel frame was achieved through welded fixing, with wind load resistance reaching 0.75kN/㎡. Key technical points: the UHPC surface is cooled and protected before welding, and anti-corrosion treatment (anti-rust paint + sealant) is applied promptly after welding. Qinglong's welded parts have an anti-corrosion layer thickness ≥100μm and salt spray corrosion resistance of 500 hours.

4. Nesting Jointing: Concealed Design for Enhanced Aesthetics

Core process: Grooves or snap slots are designed at the edges of UHPC shapes, metal components are nested into them, and structural adhesive is used to assist fixing, achieving concealed connections with seamless visual effects. Qinglong's nesting jointing uses elastic structural adhesive with movement capability of ±25% to accommodate thermal deformation. Application scenarios: connecting UHPC decorative panels to metal decorative moldings, combining UHPC artistic shapes with metal light-transmitting frames. In the UHPC wood-grain light-transmitting panel project at Shanghai New World, panels were nested into metal light-guiding frames, delivering uniform light transmission and a stable structure. Key technical points: snap slot dimensional error ≤±0.5mm; structural adhesive bond strength ≥3MPa. Qinglong's nesting joints have passed high-low temperature cycle tests with no falling off or deformation.

5. Qinglong's Connection Technology Advantages and Project Proven Results

Technical team support: A professional dissimilar material connection design team of more than 10 members can customize connection solutions according to project requirements, solving complex joining challenges. Project proven results: For the connection of UHPC artistic shapes and stainless steel components at Pop Mart Commercial Space in Shanghai, a combined embedded + nesting solution was adopted, delivering a seamless appearance and excellent impact resistance; for the connection of GRC/UHPC cladding panels and metal frames at Dongzhu Shangdu Commercial City in Guangzhou, high-precision installation was achieved through welded fixing, earning high recognition from the client. Quality assurance: All connection components have passed third-party testing, with a service life of connections ≥50 years. Qinglong has established connection process standards to ensure stable project delivery quality.

The combination of UHPC shapes with metal components requires selecting an appropriate method based on the scenario. With diversified connection technologies, strict quality control, and extensive project experience, Qinglong Group achieves both stable coordination and aesthetic unity of the two. Choosing a manufacturer with core capabilities in dissimilar material joining is a key guarantee for the successful delivery of UHPC shape projects.