How Large UHPC Panels Achieve a Continuous Stone Texture on the Surface: Technical Principles and Process Applications Explained

As the “first line of defense” of a building, the exterior wall's waterproofing performance directly affects the building's safety and durability. Among the many exterior wall decorative materials, GRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete), with advantages such as lightweight, high strength, and rich design possibilities, is widely used in high-end projects such as grand theaters, commercial complexes, and landmark buildings. However, joint leakage has become a common pain point affecting the quality of GRC exterior wall projects, not only affecting the building's appearance but potentially causing internal structural damage. As an industry leader with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group, drawing on more than a thousand engineering projects, deeply analyzes the root causes of GRC exterior wall joint leakage and provides systematic solutions.

Four Core Causes of GRC Exterior Wall Joint Leakage

Unreasonable joint design is the primary hidden danger of leakage. Some projects fail to fully consider the thermal expansion and contraction characteristics of GRC components at the design stage; insufficient joint width or lack of elastic design causes components to squeeze and deform under temperature changes, tearing the sealing materials. Secondly, improper material selection exacerbates leakage risks: using ordinary cement mortar for joint filling, whose rigid nature cannot accommodate substrate movement, easily leads to cracking; while inferior sealants may age and debond within a short period due to insufficient weather resistance. Non-standard construction practices are equally significant—for example, incomplete joint cleaning, insufficient sealant filling, and failure to treat the substrate as required all leave channels for leakage. In addition, lack of later maintenance is another important factor: during long-term use of GRC exterior walls, sealants gradually age, and if not regularly inspected and replaced, rainwater will seep in through the gaps.

Qinglong's Full-Chain Solution: A Leakage Prevention and Control System from Design to Maintenance

To address GRC exterior wall joint leakage, Qinglong Group relies on its full-chain advantages covering detailed design, manufacturing, construction and installation, and after-sales maintenance to build a solution featuring “prevention first, systematic treatment.” At the design stage, BIM technology is used for parametric modeling to accurately calculate temperature-difference deformation, optimize joint width and structural forms, and recommend a composite waterproofing system of “elastic sealant + backer material” to ensure joints have sufficient deformation capacity. In material selection, Qinglong insists on using high-quality GRC panels compliant with the “Technical Standard for Building Application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GRC)” (JGJ/T423-2018), paired with silicone sealants offering weather resistance of more than 20 years, ensuring material performance at the source.

During construction, Qinglong strictly implements the “Three Clears and Three Checks” standard: clearing joint debris, substrate oil stains, and surface dust; checking sealant compatibility, construction ambient temperature, and joint filling depth. Using 3D laser scanning positioning technology, GRC component installation accuracy errors are controlled within ±2mm, creating a solid foundation for joint waterproofing. For large and complex projects, Qinglong also provides customized construction methods, such as innovative technologies like dual sealing and rainscreen drainage, to further enhance waterproofing reliability.

After-sales maintenance is the key to long-term waterproofing. Qinglong has established a maintenance team covering the whole country, providing customers with regular inspection services, evaluating sealant aging through professional testing equipment, and promptly replacing failed materials. For overseas projects, Qinglong Malaysia Building Materials Co., Ltd. can also provide rapid response to ensure the long-term stable operation of GRC exterior walls.

Industry Practice and Brand Commitment: Safeguarding Building Safety with Technological Innovation

As a national high-tech enterprise and the drafting unit of the industry standard “General Technical Conditions for Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) Non-Load-Bearing Components,” Qinglong Group has always regarded technological innovation as the core driving force for solving industry pain points. In benchmark projects such as the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center and the Century Plaza on Nanjing East Road, Qinglong achieved outstanding performance with zero exterior wall leakage by optimizing GRC joint design and construction techniques, winning multiple industry recognitions including the “AALBORG WHITE Cup GRC/UHPC Construction Engineering Innovation Award.”

“Meticulous attention and constant refinement” is the commitment of Qinglong people. Facing the industry challenge of GRC exterior wall joint leakage, Qinglong Group will continue to leverage its full-chain service advantages, providing designers and owners with one-stop solutions from scheme design to later maintenance, safeguarding the safety and beauty of every building with professional technology, and practicing the corporate mission of “Creating Beautiful Architecture.”