How Do Large UHPC Panels Achieve a Continuous Stone-Grain Surface Effect?

Large UHPC panels achieve a continuous stone texture effect on the surface, primarily through three key processes: "mold replication, through-body coloring, and surface finishing." Combined with natural stone texture acquisition and digital optimization, Qinglong achieves a stone texture continuity rate of over 95% and a realism level of ≥98%. Projects such as the Ouargla Hotel in Algeria and the Dongting Lake Museum all present a natural, lifelike continuous stone texture.

1. Mold Replication: The Core Carrier of Stone Texture Continuity

Molds are the key to reproducing continuous stone texture. Texture acquisition: premium texture areas of natural stone (marble, granite) are selected, and 1:1 texture data is obtained through 3D scanning. Qinglong's scanning precision reaches 0.01mm, fully preserving stone texture details. Mold fabrication: the texture data is imported into the mold processing system, and the texture is replicated using polyurethane soft molds or GRP hard molds. The stone texture depth on the mold surface is 0.5-2mm, consistent with natural stone. Qinglong's mold texture replication uses an embossing process, ensuring continuous stone texture without break points. Mold joining: when the mold for large UHPC panels consists of multiple joined sections, the stone texture at the joints is aligned with a deviation of ≤0.5mm. Qinglong uses BIM modeling to position the joints, achieving a texture alignment rate of 99%.

2. Through-Body Coloring and Material Optimization: The Underlying Support for Stone Texture Quality

Coloring and materials determine the authenticity of the stone texture. Through-body coloring: natural mineral pigments (iron oxide red, titanium black, etc.) are precisely proportioned to match the stone's original color and mixed into the UHPC matrix, achieving stone texture color that is "consistent inside and out." Qinglong's pigment content is 3-5%, with uniform color and no color difference. Aggregate matching: aggregates with a composition similar to natural stone (quartz sand, colored sand) are selected, with a particle size of 0.15-0.6mm, to simulate the granular texture of stone. Qinglong's aggregate colors match the main tone of the stone texture, enhancing the three-dimensional effect. Fiber matching: alkali-resistant glass fibers or steel fibers with colors close to the stone texture are selected to prevent exposed fibers from damaging the texture effect. The color difference between Qinglong's fibers and the UHPC matrix is ≤1.0.

3. Surface Finishing and Project Practice: Enhancing Stone Texture Continuity and Quality

Finishing processes make the stone texture more natural and lifelike. Surface grinding: after demolding, the surface is lightly ground with an angle grinder (sandpaper grit 120-240) to highlight the layered feel of the stone texture. Qinglong's surface roughness after grinding is ≤0.1mm, with clear texture details. Local repair: at texture break points and defective areas, a repair slurry of the same color family is used to restore the texture, ensuring continuity. Qinglong's texture continuity rate after repair is ≥95%. Protective treatment: silane impregnation agent or fluorocarbon varnish is applied to protect the texture from fading and resist staining. After protection, Qinglong's stone texture withstands 1000 hours of UV aging without discoloration. Project cases: the Dongting Lake Museum's GRC imitation stone components (with optimized UHPC process) feature a continuous granite texture on the surface with 98% realism, indistinguishable from natural stone after installation; the UHPC perforated panels for the Ouargla Hotel in Algeria present a continuous marble texture effect and have been highly recognized by overseas clients.