What Are the Connection Methods Between GRC Curtain Walls and the Main Structure? An Analysis of Connection Technologies and Applicable Scenarios

The connection between GRC curtain walls and the main structure is a core element in ensuring curtain wall stability and safety. The appropriate connection method must be selected based on the main structure type, component weight, and service environment. Different connection methods vary in load-bearing capacity, construction difficulty, and maintenance convenience. Drawing on 28 years of full-chain practical experience, Qinglong analyzes mainstream connection technologies and their applicable scenarios.

1. Embedded Connection: The Core Choice for Heavy-Load Components

Embedded connection involves pre-embedded steel plates or anchor bars cast integrally with the main structure, offering strong fastening; it is the first choice for heavy-load GRC curtain walls. During construction, stainless steel embedded parts are fixed to the rebar framework of the main structure, and concrete is poured to form a permanent connection. GRC components are then fastened to the embedded parts with bolts, with connection point pull-out resistance ≥15kN. It is suitable for components weighing ≥50kg per piece, such as large curtain wall panels and sculptural shapes. In the Wuhan Han Show Theatre project, Qinglong used embedded connection to support 15mm-thick GRC carved panels, ensuring the long-term stability of the "Chinese red lantern" form. The advantages of this method are strong load-bearing capacity and excellent durability; the disadvantages are that it requires advance embedding and high construction precision (embedding position error ≤±2mm), making it suitable for large public building projects with concrete main structures.

2. Post-Installed Connection: A Flexible and Convenient Solution

Post-installed connection requires no advance embedding; connectors are fixed to the main structure with chemical anchors or expansion bolts, offering flexible construction and strong adaptability. Using M12-M16 chemical anchors with pull-out force ≥10kN, it is suitable for completed main structures or steel main structures. For example, in the Shenzhen Longhua Xiangshan Science and Technology Park steel structure project, Qinglong used post-installed connection to install GRC curtain wall panels, greatly shortening the construction period. The advantages of this method are convenient construction and no need to coordinate with the main structure pouring schedule; the disadvantages are slightly lower load-bearing capacity than embedded connection and the need for anti-corrosion treatment of the anchors, making it suitable for small and medium-sized components (weight ≤50kg per piece) and renovation projects, especially steel structures or concrete secondary structures.

3. Dry-Hanging Connection: The Mainstream Choice for High-End Curtain Walls

Dry-hanging connection suspends GRC components on the keel framework of the main structure using stainless steel hangers, requiring no wet work on site, and is the mainstream method for high-end curtain walls. The hangers take forms such as angle brackets and support arms, working with reserved slots in the components, and offer a certain displacement compensation capacity (horizontal ±3mm, vertical ±2mm) to absorb thermal deformation and structural settlement. It is suitable for stone-textured GRC curtain walls and commercial complex projects. In the Dongting Lake Museum project, Qinglong used dry-hanging connection to install GRC stone-imitation components, with installation precision controlled within ±2mm, perfectly presenting the texture of traditional stone architecture. The advantages of this method are detachability and replacement, clean appearance, and high construction efficiency; the disadvantage is high precision requirements for the keel framework, making it suitable for light to medium components (weight ≤30kg per piece) and high-end projects with demanding appearance requirements.

4. Welded Connection: The Dedicated Solution for Steel Main Structures

Welded connection involves directly welding the GRC component connectors to the main steel structure, offering high connection strength and strong adaptability. Using CO2 gas shielded welding with weld height ≥8mm and post-weld anti-rust treatment, it is suitable for steel main structures such as factories and convention centers. In the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center project with a 120,000-square-meter GRC roof, Qinglong used welded connection to fit the irregular steel roof, ensuring the stability of the wave-shaped form. The advantages of this method are firm connection and fast construction speed; the disadvantages are non-detachability and the fact that welding quality affects safety, requiring operation by professional welders and weld seam flaw detection. It is suitable for steel main structures and heavy-load components, especially on-site adaptive installation in curved and irregular steel structure projects.