Is the Shrinkage Rate of UHPC High? Analysis of Influencing Factors and Improvement Measures

In the field of building materials, UHPC (Ultra-High Performance Concrete) is becoming the material of choice for large landmark buildings and high-end commercial complexes, thanks to its outstanding mechanical properties and durability. However, the shrinkage of UHPC has always been a focal point of concern for designers and engineering parties—excessive shrinkage can directly affect the dimensional stability of components and even lead to cracking risks. As an industry leader with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group will provide an in-depth analysis of how to control the UHPC shrinkage rate, from material characteristics and influencing factors to improvement solutions.

### Key Factors Influencing UHPC Shrinkage Rate: From Material Mix to Construction Environment

The shrinkage of UHPC mainly derives from three types: chemical shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage, and drying shrinkage. Its shrinkage rate is typically higher than that of ordinary concrete, which is closely related to its high-density microstructure and low water-binder ratio. **Raw material mix** is a key variable: the hydration reactions of active admixtures such as silica fume and ultra-fine mineral powder intensify autogenous shrinkage; while the addition of steel fibers enhances mechanical properties, the dosage must be precisely controlled to avoid negative effects on slurry flowability. **Curing conditions** are equally crucial—insufficient early wet curing causes rapid moisture evaporation, triggering drying shrinkage; while high-temperature curing, although accelerating strength development, may increase shrinkage stress due to internal temperature gradients. In addition, **component dimensions and structural design** also affect shrinkage performance, and mass UHPC components require special attention to temperature shrinkage caused by hydration heat.

### Qinglong's 28 Years of Technical Expertise: Full-Process Solutions for UHPC Shrinkage Control

As a National High-Tech Enterprise and a participant in formulating UHPC industry standards, Qinglong Group has built an integrated “design-production-construction” shrinkage control system through material innovation and process optimization. At the **material R&D** level, a “dual-admixture technology” is adopted to adjust the cementitious material system; through the synergistic effect of nano calcium carbonate and fly ash, the peak hydration heat is reduced by up to 20%, and the autogenous shrinkage rate is controlled within 0.03% (the industry average is about 0.05%). In the production process, German-imported vacuum mixing equipment is introduced to ensure slurry density while reducing air bubble defects; combined with a curing regime that integrates steam curing and constant temperature-humidity static curing, the 7-day shrinkage completion rate of components is raised to over 85%.

For different application scenarios, Qinglong provides customized solutions: in **large irregular components** (such as the translucent concrete project at Century Plaza on Nanjing East Road), BIM technology is used to simulate shrinkage stress distribution, with post-cast strips and expansion strengthening strips arranged in advance; in **exterior wall cladding panel** systems, elastic connector design is used to release shrinkage deformation and avoid stress concentration. These technical solutions have been successfully applied to more than 500 landmark projects at home and abroad, including the GRC/UHPC composite curtain wall project of the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center, achieving a 15-year engineering track record of zero cracking.

### Industry Outlook: Technical Trends and Selection Criteria for UHPC Shrinkage Control

As architectural aesthetics drive rising demand for irregular structures, UHPC shrinkage control technology is developing toward refinement and intelligence. The “intelligent curing system” developed by Qinglong Group monitors temperature and humidity in real time through dual parameters and can dynamically adjust curing strategies, keeping shrinkage rate fluctuations within ±0.005%. For designers and owners, three points deserve key attention when selecting a UHPC supplier: first, **material performance stability**—a shrinkage rate test report issued by a third-party institution should be provided (the shrinkage rate under 28-day standard curing should be ≤0.04%); second, **project case experience**—give priority to manufacturers that have participated in full-cycle services for large projects; third, **full-chain service capability**—to ensure that shrinkage risk remains controllable throughout the process, from detailed design to after-sales maintenance.

As a full-chain service provider in the field of UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group has always upheld the mission of “creating beautiful architecture,” transforming shrinkage control into product competitiveness through 28 years of technical accumulation. Whether for precision components of super high-rise curtain walls or artistic shapes of cultural tourism projects, Qinglong can provide customized solutions that balance performance and aesthetics, allowing UHPC's “high performance” to truly serve the safety and durability of buildings. Choosing Qinglong means choosing not only materials, but also the professional assurance backed by 28 years of industry expertise.