What Is the Construction Process for Recladding Existing Building Exterior Walls with UHPC Panels? A Systematic Engineering Guide for Renewing Aging Facades

Retrofitting existing building facades with UHPC panels is a systematic project involving structural safety, functional upgrading, and architectural harmony. Its scientific process can be summarized in five stages: "inspection and assessment – design adaptation – factory prefabrication – rapid installation – long-term maintenance." Qinglong Group's practice in multiple urban renewal projects shows that a quality renovation should reduce the construction period by 40% compared with traditional curtain walls, keep the increase in building load within 10%, and achieve facade performance meeting the Grade A standard for new construction. Precise process control is the core of project success.

Comprehensive inspection and assessment is the cornerstone. The original facade substrate must undergo structural testing (hollowness, cracking, strength), flatness measurement (deviation must be ≤±10mm/2m), and a feasibility assessment for removing attached materials (such as old tiles). Qinglong Group combines 3D laser scanning with core sampling to generate a digital as-is model. Based on this, the design stage must solve the connection challenge between the new and old systems: we developed a light steel keel conversion system that connects to the original structure through post-installed anchors (pull-out resistance ≥5kN), with adjustable mechanisms to compensate for substrate unevenness. The UHPC panel grid must be cleverly aligned with existing window openings to avoid large-scale demolition and modification.

Factory prefabrication ensures quality and efficiency. Renovation projects place greater emphasis on component lightweighting (panel thickness is typically controlled at 18-22mm) and modularization. Qinglong Group uses BIM technology to optimize panel division, keeping each panel's weight at ≤80kg for easy manual handling. Embedded parts installation and surface treatment are completed during production, enabling "dry construction on site." Installation proceeds from top to bottom: the top positioning panels are installed first, then downward layer by layer. The key lies in joint sealing—we use composite sealing gaskets and silicone weatherproof sealant to form multiple lines of waterproofing defense.

Renovation projects require special attention to minimizing disruption to existing functions. Qinglong Group adopts unitized hoisting, completing 300-500 square meters of installation per day, greatly shortening the time the building envelope remains open. After renovation, the building not only gains a renewed appearance; its thermal insulation and waterproofing performance are also upgraded simultaneously, multiplying its value.