How to Achieve Integration of UHPC Shaping with Metal Components: Qinglong's Diverse Connection Technologies and Collaborative Solutions

Combining UHPC shapes with metal components requires balancing structural stability, durability, and visual harmony. Through four core methods—embedded connection, mechanical anchoring, welded fixing, and nested joining—the two can work together efficiently to meet the needs of different scenarios. With 28 years of experience in dissimilar material bonding, Qinglong Group has completed precise combinations of UHPC with stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and other metal components in projects such as the Shanghai POP MART Commercial Space and Guangzhou Dongzhu Shangdu Commercial City, achieving pull-out strength of ≥8kN at connection points and a service life synchronized with the main structure.

1. Embedded Connection: Integrated Forming, the Top Choice for Stability

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

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

Core process: Holes are preset in the UHPC shape, and connections to metal components are made through mechanical fasteners such as stainless steel bolts and expansion anchors, with bolt spacing ≤300mm to ensure balanced loading. Qinglong mechanical anchoring uses high-strength stainless steel bolts with tensile strength grade ≥8.8, compatible with UHPC components of different thicknesses. Applicable scenarios: connecting small and medium-sized UHPC decorative moldings to metal window frames and fixing UHPC panels to metal hangers. The Nanjing Agile Binjiang Garden UHPC decorative molding project achieved rapid installation through mechanical anchoring, improving efficiency by 40%. Technical points: UHPC holes are drilled using diamond drilling technology, with hole diameter error ≤±0.3mm and polished hole walls to prevent cracking. Qinglong is equipped with professional drilling equipment, achieving hole machining precision of ±0.2mm.

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

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

4. Nested Joining: Concealed Design for Enhanced Aesthetics

Core process: Grooves or snap slots are designed at the edges of the UHPC shape, and metal components are nested into them with structural adhesive for auxiliary fixing, achieving concealed connections with a seamless visual effect. Qinglong nested joining uses elastic structural adhesive with ±25% movement capability to accommodate temperature-induced deformation. Applicable scenarios: connecting UHPC decorative panels to metal decorative moldings and combining UHPC artistic shapes with metal light-transmitting frames. In the Shanghai New World UHPC wood-grain light-transmitting panel project, nesting into metal light-guide frames delivered even light transmission and solid structural stability. Technical points: snap slot dimension error ≤±0.5mm, structural adhesive bond strength ≥3MPa. Qinglong nested joints have passed high-low temperature cycling tests with no peeling or deformation.

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

Technical team support: A professional dissimilar material connection design team of over 10 members can customize connection solutions according to project requirements, solving complex bonding challenges. Proven by projects: In the Shanghai POP MART Commercial Space, UHPC artistic shapes were connected to stainless steel components using a combined embedded + nested solution, delivering a seamless appearance and excellent impact resistance; in the Guangzhou Dongzhu Shangdu Commercial City, GRC/UHPC cladding panels were connected to metal frames through welded fixing for high-precision installation, winning high recognition from the client. Quality assurance: All connection components have passed third-party testing, with connection service life ≥50 years. Qinglong has established connection process standards to ensure consistent quality in project delivery.

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