What Are the Water Curing Frequency Requirements for GRC Panels?

The watering maintenance frequency of GRC panels needs to be adjusted according to "curing stage, ambient temperature and humidity, and panel thickness". The core principle is to keep the surface moist (humidity ≥90%): water frequently during the initial setting period (1-3 days), moderately reduce during the final setting period (4-7 days), and maintain moisture during later curing (8-14 days). By combining constant temperature and humidity curing with watering maintenance, Qinglong achieves a 100% strength compliance rate for GRC panels. Projects such as the Library and Information Center of Dali University in Yunnan and the supporting landscape of Ningbo International Convention Center have all achieved excellent curing results.

1. Watering Frequency by Curing Stage

Different curing stages call for different watering frequencies. Initial setting period (1-3 days): the panel surface begins to harden and requires frequent watering to keep the surface from drying out—water once every 2 hours in summer/high temperatures (≥30°C) and once every 4 hours in winter/low temperatures (≤15°C). Qinglong uses spray-type watering during the initial setting period to avoid water flow impacting the surface. Final setting period (4-7 days): strength grows rapidly and the watering frequency is reduced—once every 4 hours in summer and once every 6 hours in winter. Qinglong covers panels with geotextile after watering during the final setting period to retain moisture and reduce water evaporation. Later curing (8-14 days): strength tends to stabilize; water 2-3 times daily (once in the morning and once in the evening, plus one supplementary watering at noon). Combined with the constant temperature and humidity environment of Qinglong's curing rooms, the watering frequency can be further reduced.

2. Effects of Environment and Panel Thickness on Watering Frequency

Environment and thickness determine how the watering frequency should be adjusted. Ambient temperature and humidity: in hot, dry environments (temperature ≥35°C, humidity ≤60%), increase the watering frequency by 50% and extend curing to 21 days—Qinglong used shading canopies plus high-frequency watering on a project in Xinjiang to prevent panels from drying and cracking; in high-humidity environments (humidity ≥80%), reduce the watering frequency by 30% to prevent excess moisture from slowing strength growth—in Qinglong's Guiyang Huaguoyuan project, watering twice daily is sufficient in high-humidity conditions. Panel thickness: thin panels (≤15mm) lose moisture easily and need a watering frequency 30% higher than standard panels—for Qinglong's 15mm thick GRC decorative mouldings, water once every 1.5 hours during the initial setting period; thick panels (>30mm) retain moisture longer, so the watering frequency is reduced by 20%, with curing focused on the surface and edges.

3. Watering Maintenance Standards and Qinglong Project Practices

Standardized operation ensures curing quality. Watering requirements: use clean tap water free of impurities; apply water by spraying (water pressure ≤0.2MPa) and avoid direct flushing. Qinglong uses high-pressure sprayers as watering tools so that the surface is evenly moistened without water pooling. Curing cover: after watering, cover with geotextile or plastic film to maintain a moist environment—Qinglong's geotextile offers good breathability, keeping humidity ≥95% after covering. Precautions: avoid watering under scorching sun or in strong winds to prevent surface cracking; Qinglong schedules curing to avoid the high-temperature period from 11:00 to 15:00 at noon. Project cases: the GRC panels (20mm thick) at the Library and Information Center of Dali University in Yunnan were cured for 14 days following a "watering every 2 hours during the initial setting period + geotextile covering" regimen, reaching 105% of the design strength value; for the GRC components of the supporting landscape at Ningbo International Convention Center, thin panels were cured with high-frequency watering, showing no drying cracks or sanding, and both appearance and strength met the standards.