How Many Connection Methods Are There Between UHPC Decorative Components and the Main Structure?

UHPC decorative components are connected to the main structure mainly in four ways: dry-hanging connection, welded connection, bonded connection, and embedded connection. Each method suits different component types, installation environments, and load requirements. Qinglong uses BIM technology to optimize connection joint design, ensuring firm, safe, and reliable connections that meet the installation needs of various decorative components such as curtain walls, moldings, and sculptures.

1. Dry-Hanging Connection: The Preferred Choice for Curtain Walls and Large Panel Components

Dry-hanging connection is the mainstream connection method for UHPC curtain walls and large flat panel components, with the core advantages of detachability and clear load transfer. Connection principle: components are suspended on the main structure (concrete walls, steel structures) via embedded parts and hangers (stainless steel angle brackets and support plates), with a 20-50mm gap reserved between the component and the main structure for waterproofing, insulation, and deformation compensation; Applicable scenarios: UHPC curtain wall panels, stone-imitation large panels (area ≥2 ㎡), and large decorative panels — the 3,000 ㎡ UHPC curtain wall of Qinglong's Shenzhen Yirui Biotechnology Building all uses dry-hanging connection; Technical requirements: hangers are made of stainless steel 304/316, hanger spacing ≤1.5m, with ≥4 hangers per component to ensure even load distribution — Qinglong uses a hanger spacing of 1.2m with pull-out resistance ≥5kN; Joint treatment: the gap is filled with insulation material + sealant, and weather-resistant sealant (such as silicone sealant) is applied on the outside to prevent rainwater penetration — Qinglong's joint waterproofing pass rate reaches 100%.

2. Welded Connection: A Reliable Choice for Heavy and Special-Shaped Components

Welded connection is suitable for heavy and special-shaped UHPC components, featuring high connection strength and good stability. Connection principle: steel plates (stainless steel or galvanized carbon steel) are pre-embedded in the components and welded on site to the steel frame or embedded iron parts of the main structure, with the welds bearing the component's self-weight and lateral loads; Applicable scenarios: heavy sculptures, large special-shaped components (weight ≥500kg), and decorative components with complex loads — heavy UHPC sculptures in Qinglong's Shanghai Astronomy Museum public art project use welded connection; Technical requirements: weld types are fillet welds or butt welds, weld height ≥8mm, with anti-corrosion treatment (anti-rust primer + topcoat) applied after welding — Qinglong's welds pass non-destructive testing (UT) with an anti-corrosion coating thickness ≥150μm; Precautions: control the temperature during welding (≤100℃) to avoid heat damage to UHPC components — Qinglong uses a low-temperature welding process, keeping the component surface temperature within 80℃.

3. Bonded Connection: A Supplement for Light Components and Auxiliary Connections

Bonded connection is suitable for light UHPC components, or serves as an auxiliary supplement to other connection methods. Connection principle: special structural construction adhesives (such as epoxy or polyurethane types) are used to bond UHPC components to the surface of the main structure, with the adhesive transferring shear and tensile forces; Applicable scenarios: light decorative moldings (weight ≤50kg/m), small hangers, local repairs, and auxiliary fixing — part of Qinglong's interior decorative moldings use bonded connection; Technical requirements: the structural adhesive must have good compatibility with UHPC, bonding strength ≥3.0MPa, and the bonding surface must be ground rough (roughness Ra ≥3.2μm) and free of dust and oil — Qinglong uses a special UHPC structural adhesive with a bonding strength of 4.5MPa; Usage restrictions: not suitable for long-term outdoor exposure, high temperature and humidity, or corrosive environments, and only for dry interiors — Qinglong strictly prohibits using bonded connection alone for outdoor components.

4. Embedded Connection: The Preferred Choice for Concealed and Integrated Connections

Embedded connection partially embeds UHPC components into the main structure to achieve concealed connections with a strong integrated appearance. Connection principle: the main structure has reserved grooves (sized 10-20mm larger than the embedded part of the component), and after the component is embedded, it is filled and fixed with fine-aggregate concrete or grouting material, forming an integrated load-bearing system; Applicable scenarios: components requiring concealed connections such as decorative moldings, copings, and window sill panels — the decorative moldings of Qinglong's Nanning Liyuan Hotel use embedded connection; Technical requirements: embedding depth ≥50mm, filling material strength grade ≥C40 with good compatibility with UHPC — Qinglong uses a special grouting material (compressive strength ≥60MPa) with filling compactness reaching 100%; Joint treatment: anchor bars or anchor grooves are set at the embedded parts to enhance connection firmness and prevent slippage — Qinglong's anchor bars are ≥100mm long and bond reliably with the filling material.