How to Mitigate UHPC Autogenous Shrinkage Through Material Design: Mechanism Analysis and Optimization Strategies

Material innovation is the cornerstone of architectural aesthetics, and the breakthrough in tackling UHPC autogenous shrinkage is redefining the application boundaries of ultra-high performance concrete in architectural decoration.

In the field of contemporary architectural decoration, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has become the preferred material for high-end settings such as landmark buildings and commercial complexes, thanks to its outstanding mechanical properties and design plasticity. However, autogenous shrinkage, a key bottleneck restricting the widespread application of UHPC, has always been a focus of industry attention. As an industry leader with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group has conducted an in-depth analysis of the autogenous shrinkage mechanism and, through material design optimization and technological innovation, provides designers and owners with systematic solutions from theory to practice.

Mechanism Analysis of UHPC Autogenous Shrinkage: Tracing the Root Cause to the Material Itself

UHPC autogenous shrinkage stems from volume changes during the hydration reaction of cement-based materials, and its core contradiction lies in the internal humidity gradient caused by a high cementitious material content and a low water-binder ratio. Compared with ordinary concrete, although UHPC's dense microstructure endows it with ultra-high strength, it also makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate and replenish, triggering internal self-desiccation of the concrete and ultimately irreversible shrinkage. Through 28 years of engineering practice, Qinglong's technical team has found that poorly controlled autogenous shrinkage can easily lead to component cracking and surface defects, and even compromise structural durability—this is also a core concern for many designers when selecting UHPC.

Material Design Optimization Strategies: How Qinglong's Full-Chain Technology Breaks the Deadlock

To address UHPC autogenous shrinkage, Qinglong Group has developed a three-dimensional solution covering material formulation, process control, and engineering application. At the material level, nano-scale silica fume and ultrafine mineral powder are incorporated to optimize particle grading and reduce the cement proportion, while a composite expansion agent and a fiber toughening system are introduced to achieve the dual effect of "shrinkage compensation and enhanced crack resistance." In production, a digitally temperature-controlled curing process precisely regulates the hydration rate and reduces early-age shrinkage stress concentration. Notably, the UHPC facade panels developed by Qinglong have passed the industry standard test of the "General Technical Conditions for Non-Load-Bearing Components of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)," with autogenous shrinkage controlled within 0.03%, far superior to conventional products.

Verification in Engineering Practice: Bringing Technology from the Laboratory to Landmark Projects

Theoretical innovation must be tested by practice. In the renovation project of Century Plaza on Nanjing East Road, the Qinglong team used light-transmitting UHPC components to create a curved curtain wall. Through material design optimization and BIM-based parametric construction, they successfully solved the shrinkage cracking problem of large-span irregular components, and the project won the "Silver Award of the First UHPC Construction Engineering Innovation Award (AALBORG WHITE Cup)." In addition, in projects such as the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center, Qinglong's GRC/UHPC composite components, through the coordinated design of "material-structure-construction," perfectly integrated autogenous shrinkage control with decorative effects, confirming the feasibility of the technical solution.

As a national high-tech enterprise and a participant in the formulation of UHPC/GRC industry standards, Qinglong Group has always upheld the mission of "creating beautiful architecture" and addressed industry pain points through material innovation. Looking ahead, as UHPC applications deepen in fields such as municipal engineering, real estate, and overseas projects, Qinglong will continue to integrate its 28 years of full-chain experience to provide designers with UHPC solutions offering greater aesthetic value and technical assurance, driving the high-quality development of the new architectural decoration materials industry.