Analysis of the Causes and Countermeasures for Air Bubbles on the Surface of UHPC Components

Details Determine Quality, Professionalism Builds Reputation—28 Years of Industry Expertise Keep UHPC Components Free from Air Bubble Issues

In the field of architectural decoration, Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) has become the preferred material for high-end projects such as grand theaters, commercial complexes, and landmark buildings, thanks to its outstanding mechanical properties and aesthetic expressiveness. However, surface air bubbles on UHPC components, like flaws on a fine work of art, not only affect the visual appearance but may also pose potential structural risks. As an industry leader with 28 years of deep expertise in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group leverages its full-chain technical advantages to thoroughly analyze the causes of air bubbles and develop a systematic solution covering everything from source control to end-stage resolution, providing expert-level technical support for designers and owners.

1. Four Core Causes of Air Bubble Formation in UHPC Components

The unique nature of UHPC material determines the complexity of the air bubble problem. From material mix proportions to construction techniques, deviations at any stage can lead to bubble formation. Through tracking and analyzing thousands of engineering cases, the Qinglong Group laboratory found that air bubbles mainly originate from four sources: first, imbalanced material gradation, where insufficient dispersion of ultra-fine powders and steel fibers leads to localized air entrapment; second, mixing process defects, as traditional mixing equipment fails to achieve uniform blending of cementitious materials and aggregates; third, poor air release during pouring, especially in dead-corner areas of components with complex shapes; fourth, imperfect curing regimes, where excessively rapid early moisture evaporation forms surface pores. These problems appeared to varying degrees during the preliminary testing phases of key projects such as the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center and the Nanjing East Road Century Plaza, and were ultimately and completely resolved through technical optimization.

2. Full-Chain Solution: An Air Bubble Prevention and Control System from Formulation to Installation

As a national high-tech enterprise, Qinglong Group has established a four-dimensional prevention and control system covering "materials, processes, equipment, and management." On the material side, it adopts independently developed nano-scale silica fume dispersion technology combined with a patented admixture system, increasing the concrete's initial fluidity by 20% while reducing air content to below 1.5%; in production, German-imported twin-shaft forced mixers are introduced, achieving material homogeneity through 45 minutes of gradient-speed mixing; in the molding stage, vacuum-assisted pouring technology is employed, combined with high-frequency vibrating tables to eliminate interface bubbles; and in curing, an innovative three-stage temperature control regime ensures complete hydration reactions and volume stability. This system is fully applied across the 600,000-square-meter annual production capacity of the Nanning production base, keeping the bubble qualification rate of components consistently above 99.6%.

3. Industry Benchmark Practice: A Quality Commitment Built on 28 Years of Technical Expertise

From participating in drafting the industry standard "General Technical Conditions for Non-Load-Bearing Components of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)" to winning the AALBORG WHITE Cup UHPC Architectural Engineering Innovation Award, Qinglong Group has consistently led industry development through technological innovation. For different application scenarios, such as the flatness requirements of commercial building facades and the texture expressiveness of landscape components, it has established differentiated bubble control standards. For example, in a landmark project in Malaysia, the pouring process was rehearsed using BIM technology, combined with 3D scanning for positioning and installation, achieving zero-bubble delivery of double-curved UHPC components. This craftsman spirit of "meticulousness and constant pursuit of excellence" is precisely the core competency that has made Qinglong Group a strategic partner of renowned real estate groups such as Vanke and Poly.

Facing the continuous development of UHPC technology, Qinglong Group will continue to uphold its mission of "creating aesthetically pleasing architecture," building on 28 years of full-chain experience to provide superior material solutions for the global architectural decoration industry. Whether it is the delicate texture of GRC decorative lines, the smooth curves of GRG ceilings, or the corrosion resistance of GRP components, Qinglong is always committed to eliminating all kinds of quality risks through professional technology, making every product a perfect combination of architectural aesthetics and engineering quality.