Rust Prevention Treatment Methods for GRC Curtain Wall and Steel Structure Connections? Analysis of Full-Cycle Anti-Rust Protection Technology

The connection points between GRC curtain walls and steel structures are prone to rusting due to exposed metal and environmental corrosion, severely affecting connection strength and curtain wall stability. Scientifically implementing rust prevention treatment and establishing a full-cycle protection system are key to ensuring structural safety. Drawing on 28 years of practical experience in steel structure connections, Qinglong analyzes the core treatment solutions.

I. Connector Material Selection: Improving the Rust Prevention Foundation at the Source

Selecting connector materials with strong weather resistance is the foundation of rust prevention treatment. In conventional environments, Q235B carbon steel connectors are used and require strict surface rust prevention treatment; in coastal, high-humidity, or industrially polluted environments, 304 or 316 stainless steel connectors are preferred. 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum and offers excellent salt spray corrosion resistance. In the coastal Poly Peninsula No.1 project in Hainan, Qinglong used 316 stainless steel connectors exclusively; for heavy-load connection points, hot-dip galvanized + stainless steel composite connectors are selected to balance strength and rust resistance, ensuring connectors show no obvious rusting within their design service life.

II. Surface Rust Prevention Treatment: Building Multiple Protective Barriers

For connectors of different materials, precise surface rust prevention treatment is applied. Carbon steel connectors follow a triple process of 'rust removal - galvanizing - sealing': first, sandblasting brings rust removal up to the Sa2.5 standard, removing surface oxide scale and impurities; then hot-dip galvanizing is performed with a zinc coating thickness of ≥85μm; finally, anti-rust sealing paint is applied to form a dense protective layer. Stainless steel connector surfaces undergo pickling and passivation treatment to remove oxide layers from processing, enhance surface corrosion resistance, and prevent intergranular corrosion at welded parts. Connection bolts receive galvanizing + wax coating treatment, with anti-rust grease applied to the threads to ensure easy disassembly and rust resistance. In the Pingshan High-Tech Zone project in Shenzhen, Qinglong applied this treatment solution, and the connectors showed no obvious rusting after years of use.

III. Connection Node Sealing Protection: Blocking the Penetration of Corrosive Media

Node sealing is key to preventing rainwater and moisture intrusion and requires reinforced sealing design. Elastic sealing gaskets are installed at contact points between connectors, GRC components, and steel structures, made of EPDM rubber with strong weather resistance to avoid electrochemical corrosion caused by direct metal contact; the area around nodes is sealed with neutral silicone weatherproof sealant, with sealant joints ≥10mm wide and ≥5mm thick, ensuring complete coverage of connection gaps and blocking rainwater and moisture penetration; for outdoor nodes, metal rain covers are added to form dual protection and prevent sealant aging from long-term exposure. In the Liyuan Hotel project in Nanning, Qinglong effectively resisted the corrosion of a high-humidity environment through node sealing protection.

IV. Rust Prevention Management During Operation and Maintenance: Extending the Protection Period

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the long-term effectiveness of rust prevention. Establish a routine inspection system, checking connection points every 6-12 months, with a focus on rusting, sealant aging, rain cover damage, and other issues; when minor rust is found, carry out rust removal and repainting immediately; aging sealant must be replaced promptly to ensure sealing effectiveness; in coastal areas, connectors undergo a comprehensive rust removal and rust prevention upgrade every 2-3 years. In the Singapore Defence Services Centre international project, Qinglong extended the rust prevention validity of steel structure connection points to more than 15 years through systematic operation and maintenance, fully verifying the effectiveness of the full-cycle rust prevention solution.