What Structures Should Be Reserved When Combining UHPC Shaping with Lighting Systems? A Guide to Reserved Structure Design and Adaptation

Combining UHPC shapes with lighting systems can create stunning night scenery effects, but compatible structures must be reserved in advance during the design and production stages to avoid later modifications that damage the integrity and aesthetics of components. Drawing on its experience with the Guangzhou Xinghewan UHPC lighting shape project, Qinglong analyzes the core reserved structures and key design points.

I. Reserved Structures for Lamp Installation and Fixing

Precisely reserve installation structures to ensure lamps are stably fixed. Reserved lamp mounting slots: Reserve mounting slots on the UHPC shape surface according to lamp dimensions (width +5-10mm, depth +3-5mm), with drainage holes set in the slots to prevent rainwater accumulation. In the Nanning Wuxiang China Resources MixC One project, Qinglong controlled the mounting slot precision error within ±0.5mm. Reserved fixing points: Embed stainless steel nuts or connectors in the mounting slots at spacing ≤500mm to ensure lamps are firmly fixed. Embedded parts must be rust-proofed (hot-dip galvanized or fluorocarbon coated) with pull-out force ≥5kN. Reserved concealed installation: For concealed lamps, reserve cavities inside UHPC components sized 10-15mm larger than the lamps, with reserved wire channels, ensuring the lamps are completely hidden without damaging the appearance of the shape.

II. Reserved Structures for Wiring and Maintenance

Scientifically plan wiring channels for easy later maintenance. Reserved wiring channels: Reserve conduit channels for wires inside UHPC components, with pipe diameter ≥ 2 times the wire diameter, rounded transitions at channel corners to avoid wire abrasion, and inspection openings reserved at both ends of the channels. Reserved junction box positions: Reserve junction box installation positions in areas where lamps are concentrated, sized 50mm larger than the junction box, and located in concealed places (such as the back or bottom of components) for easy wiring and maintenance. Reserved waterproofing structures: Outdoor UHPC lighting shapes require waterproof sealing grooves reserved at wiring channel interfaces, filled with high-elasticity sealant, and inspection openings equipped with waterproof cover plates. Through this design, Qinglong achieves IP65-level waterproofing to meet outdoor use requirements.

III. Reserved Structures for Heat Dissipation and Load-Bearing

Balance heat dissipation and load-bearing to ensure long-term system stability. Reserved heat dissipation structures: Areas where high-power lamps (power >50W) are installed require reserved heat dissipation holes or cavities, with heat dissipation hole spacing ≤200mm to ensure timely heat release and prevent UHPC surface aging caused by high temperatures. Reinforced load-bearing structures: Include lamp weight in the load-bearing calculation of UHPC components and add reinforcing ribs in lamp installation areas with rib spacing ≤300mm to ensure local load capacity meets standards. In large UHPC lighting sculpture projects, Qinglong increased local load-bearing capacity by 40% through reinforcing rib design. Reserved thermal expansion compensation: Reserve a 2-3mm gap between the lamps and UHPC mounting slots, filled with flexible thermally conductive material, to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction deformation and prevent lamp damage.

IV. Reserved Structure Design Verification and Collaboration Key Points

Multi-disciplinary collaboration ensures precise adaptation of reserved structures. Collaborative lighting and structural design: During the UHPC shape design stage, work with lighting designers to determine lamp positions, models, and parameters, and complete the reserved structure design simultaneously to avoid later conflicts. 3D model verification: Use BIM technology to build an integrated model of the UHPC shape and lighting system, verify the compatibility of reserved structures with lamps and wires, and optimize unreasonable designs in advance. Sample testing: Produce 1:1 samples for lighting installation tests to verify the practicality and safety of reserved structures. Qinglong implements sample testing procedures in every lighting integration project to ensure reserved structures fully meet usage requirements.