How Many Connection Methods Are There Between UHPC Decorative Components and the Main Structure: Analysis of Key Technical Points

## Analysis of Connection Methods Between UHPC Decorative Components and Main Structures and Key Technical Points

Under the dual pursuit of contemporary architectural aesthetics and structural safety, UHPC (Ultra-High Performance Concrete), with its ultra-high strength, durability, and design freedom, has become the preferred material for landmark buildings and high-end decoration. As an industry leader with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP, Qinglong Group deeply understands that connection joints are the core of UHPC decorative component engineering quality. This article systematically analyzes the mainstream connection methods and key technical points between UHPC decorative components and main structures, providing professional reference for designers and owners.

### I. Four Mainstream Connection Technologies for UHPC Decorative Components

The connection between UHPC decorative components and main structures must balance load transfer, deformation adaptation, and construction convenience. Currently, the most mature connection methods applied in engineering can be divided into four categories:

1. Mechanical Anchoring Connection: A Combination of Tradition and Innovation
Mechanical anchoring achieves fixation through metal connectors such as bolts and embedded parts, and is suitable for exterior wall cladding panels and special-shaped components with heavy loads. In the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center project, Qinglong adopted a composite anchoring system of stainless steel undercut anchors and aluminum alloy profiles to reliably connect 30mm-thick UHPC cladding panels with the steel main structure. Through BIM technology simulation to optimize joint spacing, the load-bearing capacity of each anchor point per square meter reaches 1.2kN, meeting the seismic fortification intensity 8 requirement. This type of connection requires attention to the pull-out resistance of UHPC embedded sleeves; it is recommended to use special connectors with yield strength ≥500MPa and conduct fatigue resistance testing.

2. Wet Connection Technology: Structural Guarantee of Integrated Casting
Wet connection achieves rigid bonding between components and the main structure through UHPC slurry or special grouting material, commonly used in landscape features and precast decorative lines. In a municipal project in Nanning, Qinglong innovatively applied self-healing UHPC grouting material with a 28-day compressive strength of 120MPa and the ability to self-repair microcracks. During construction, the formwork installation accuracy must be strictly controlled (error ≤2mm), and vacuum-assisted grouting technology should be used to remove air bubbles, ensuring interfacial bond strength ≥3.5MPa. This technology is particularly suitable for components such as Roman columns and cornice lines in European classical-style buildings, achieving seamless connection with the main structure.

3. Dry-Hanging Connection: A Modular Solution Flexibly Adapting to Deformation
The dry-hanging system forms adjustable flexible joints through metal keels and connectors, and is widely used in curved exterior walls of commercial complexes. In the Nanjing East Road Century Plaza renovation project, Qinglong adopted a three-dimensionally adjustable dry-hanging system to install UHPC translucent concrete panels, achieving ±5mm fine adjustment in the X/Y/Z directions through channel-type hangers, effectively absorbing temperature deformation and seismic displacement. Key technical points include: hot-dip galvanizing of keels (zinc layer thickness ≥85μm), elastic gaskets (Shore hardness 50±5) between hangers and UHPC panels, and keeping the weight of each panel within 50kg to reduce installation loads.

4. Composite Connection Technology: A Systematic Solution for Complex Scenarios
For UHPC components with super-large spans or complex shapes, Qinglong developed a composite connection technology of "mechanical anchoring + bonded steel reinforcement." In an airport terminal project, the 20m-span UHPC sunshades were connected to the main steel structure through built-in section steel frames, while carbon fiber sheets were bonded using modified epoxy resin adhesives, increasing joint load-bearing capacity by 40%. This technology requires full-scale model testing verification to ensure no plastic deformation under 1.5 times the design load, and the adhesive's weather resistance must meet the -40℃~70℃ temperature cycle requirements.

### II. Three Core Technical Points for Connection Joint Design

Regardless of the connection method used, Qinglong Group's 28 years of engineering experience have summarized the following key technical control elements:

1. Load Calculation and Joint Selection
Precise mechanical analysis is required based on component self-weight, wind loads, and seismic actions, referring to the industry standard "General Technical Conditions for Non-Load-Bearing Components of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)" (Plan No. 2024-0232T-JC), and conducting fatigue performance testing on new materials such as glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) connectors. Qinglong's R&D center is equipped with a 1000kN servo pressure testing machine capable of simulating joint performance under 1 million cyclic loads.

2. Material Compatibility and Durability Design
The connection between UHPC components and the main structure must consider electrochemical corrosion risks. Qinglong adopts 316L stainless steel connectors combined with silane impregnation treatment technology, achieving 15 years of maintenance-free performance in a project in Saudi Arabia. For projects in coastal areas, drainage channels should also be set at joints to prevent chloride ion penetration, with designs referring to the relevant requirements of the "Technical Standard for Building Application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GRC)" (JGJ/T423-2018), which Qinglong participated in compiling.

3. Construction Precision and Quality Control
Three-dimensional laser scanning technology is used for installation positioning (accuracy ±1mm), combined with Qinglong's self-developed BIM joint library to achieve digital pre-assembly. In a commercial complex project in Guangzhou, the "factory-prefabricated connectors + on-site modular installation" model increased installation efficiency by 50% while reducing on-site wet work. All connection joints must undergo 100% tensile testing, with the defect rate controlled below 0.5%.

### III. Full-Chain Service Ensures Connection System Reliability

As a national high-tech enterprise and provincial engineering technology center, Qinglong Group ensures the long-term stability of the UHPC connection system through full-process control from detailed design to after-sales maintenance. The company has a Guangxi production base with an annual capacity of 600,000 square meters, equipped with automated production lines and a strict quality control system. Its UHPC products have a flexural strength of over 20MPa, meeting the stringent requirements of high-end projects. From the Nanjing translucent concrete project to overseas engineering in Malaysia, Qinglong has always adhered to the philosophy of "meticulousness and pursuit of excellence," providing customers with expert solutions from joint design optimization to installation guidance.

The connection technology of UHPC decorative components is the key integration point of material performance and structural safety. Selecting a supplier with full-chain service capabilities is an important guarantee for achieving the unity of architectural aesthetics and engineering quality. Qinglong Group will continue to focus on UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP material innovation, leveraging 28 years of industry experience to create safe, reliable, and creative architectural decoration systems for customers.