Production Cycle Differences Between UHPC Components and Traditional Concrete Components and Analysis of Influencing Factors

In the field of architectural decoration, GRC components, with their lightweight, high-strength, and richly sculptural characteristics, have become the "face" of many landmark buildings. However, cracking during setting acts like a hidden "engineering trap" that not only compromises aesthetics and structural safety but can also drive up project costs. As an industry leader with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group has always treated component crack prevention technology as its core competency, delivering practical solutions for the industry through detailed design, material optimization, process innovation, and whole-process control.

The "Invisible Killer" Behind GRC Component Cracking: The Dual Challenge of Materials and Process

The root cause of GRC component cracking during setting often lies in the compounded effect of unbalanced material ratios and improper process control. Ordinary GRC materials with insufficient glass fiber content (below 4%) or uneven dispersion are prone to inadequate early strength, while the accumulation of hydration heat and the release of shrinkage stress in cement-based materials are the main "culprits" behind cracks. In one commercial complex project, for example, a traditional casting process failed to control the water-cement ratio (above 0.45), causing through cracks in components during the later stage of setting and increasing rework costs by 30%. Qinglong Group's 28 years of engineering practice show that 80% of cracking problems can be avoided in advance through early design optimization and material innovation.

Four Core Technical Approaches to Preventing GRC Component Cracking

In the detailed design stage, Qinglong applies BIM parametric modeling and finite element analysis to conduct "pre-cracking simulation" of components. For complex forms such as the hyperbolic GRC curtain wall of a grand theater, shrinkage stress is dispersed into a safe range by optimizing reinforcement density (spacing ≤150mm) and installing stress relief joints (5-8mm wide). On the material side, the independently developed "high-toughness GRC formulation" controls glass fiber length at 12-15mm with content precisely held at 5%-6%. Combined with nano-scale silica fume modification technology, flexural strength is raised above 22MPa, far exceeding the industry standard (≥15MPa).

In production, Qinglong has introduced vacuum forming equipment imported from Germany, achieving component compactness above 98% and effectively reducing shrinkage cracks caused by internal voids. Its original "stepped curing process" controls temperature and humidity in three stages: initial setting (20±2℃, humidity ≥90%), curing (4 hours of steam curing at 60℃), and cooling (temperature drop of no more than 5℃ per hour), ensuring that hydration reactions are complete and uniform. In a museum project, this process cut the component cracking rate from the industry average of 8% to below 0.5%.

Full-Chain Control: "Zero-Cracking" Assurance from Laboratory to Construction Site

As a national high-tech enterprise and a contributor to the formulation of GRC industry standards, Qinglong has established a three-tier quality control system covering raw material testing, production process monitoring, and factory inspection. Every batch of GRC materials must pass 28 tests covering indicators such as flexural strength and elastic modulus before it can enter production. During installation, 3D laser scanning positioning technology (accuracy ±2mm) is combined with flexible connection joint design, allowing components to move ±3mm under temperature changes and preventing stress cracking caused by rigid constraints.

From the GRC decorative moldings of an exhibition center in Guangzhou to the special-shaped components of a landmark building in Malaysia, Qinglong has completed a cumulative 600,000 square meters of crack-free GRC projects by leveraging its full-chain technical strengths in "design-materials-process-installation". Going forward, Qinglong will stay true to its mission of "creating beautiful architecture" and, through technological innovation in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, provide designers and owners with green building material solutions that combine aesthetic value with structural safety, driving the industry toward "zero-defect" construction.