Design Essentials and Key Technology Analysis of Lifting Schemes for Large-Scale UHPC Artistic Forms

Key Design Points and Critical Technology Analysis of Lifting Schemes for Large-Scale UHPC Artistic Shapes

Driven by both contemporary architectural aesthetics and engineering technology, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has become the core material for shaping the artistic forms of landmark buildings, thanks to its ultra-high strength, excellent durability, and strong sculptural plasticity. However, UHPC artistic shapes often feature large spans, irregular curved surfaces, and oversized dimensions. The lifting stage not only concerns construction safety but also directly affects the precise presentation of the final architectural effect. As an industry leader with 28 years of full-chain experience in detailed design, manufacturing, construction, and installation of UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group, drawing on the practice of hundreds of large-scale projects, provides an in-depth analysis of the design logic and technical challenges of lifting schemes for UHPC artistic shapes, offering designers and owners a systematic solution from theory to practice.

I. Core Design Points of Lifting Schemes for UHPC Artistic Shapes

The design of lifting schemes for UHPC artistic shapes must be based on dual considerations of material properties and architectural forms. First, the structural load-bearing characteristics of components must be precisely analyzed: although the compressive strength of UHPC can reach over 150MPa, stress concentration points in irregular components often become weak links in lifting safety. Using BIM technology and finite element analysis software, Qinglong Group simulates pre-lifting conditions of components, focusing on verifying the position, quantity, and reinforcement methods of lifting points to ensure that component deformation during lifting is controlled within 0.5mm/m. Second, differentiated plans must be developed for lifting environments in different scenarios: in densely built urban areas, the "segmented lifting + aerial assembly" process is adopted. For example, in the Nanjing Road Century Plaza renovation project, light-transmitting UHPC components were modularly split to keep each unit within 2 tons, achieving millimeter-level precision connection with hydraulic synchronous lifting technology; while in open sites, large crawler cranes can be used for integral lifting. For example, a 30-meter-span UHPC curved curtain wall at a cultural center was lifted into position in one operation using dedicated lifting devices and multi-point balancing technology.

II. Innovation and Application of Key UHPC Lifting Technologies

Customized development of lifting equipment and rigging is the core of ensuring the safe lifting of UHPC artistic shapes. In collaboration with well-known domestic hoisting equipment manufacturers, Qinglong Group has developed an "adaptive balancing spreader" for irregular components. With built-in sensors and a hydraulic adjustment system, it can compensate in real time for angle deviations during lifting, achieving component attitude adjustment accuracy of ±0.1°. In connection node design, a "pin shaft + elastic washer" combined structure is adopted, which not only meets the temporary fixing needs during lifting but also reserves buffer space for subsequent structural settlement. This technology has been successfully applied in the GRC/UHPC composite shape project of the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center, achieving seamless joining of complex curved surfaces. In addition, three-dimensional laser scanning technology is introduced for site surveying and component pre-positioning before lifting; combined with the BeiDou positioning system, lifting positioning errors are controlled within 3mm—far surpassing the industry standard of 10mm.

III. Full-Chain Collaboration: Integrated Support from Detailed Design to Lifting Implementation

As a national high-tech enterprise integrating detailed design, manufacturing, construction, and installation, Qinglong Group emphasizes that lifting schemes must be deeply integrated with early-stage design. In the detailed design stage, parametric modeling is used to optimize component segmentation, ensuring that the weight and dimensions of each lifting unit match the on-site lifting equipment; in production, a "pre-embedded lifting points + factory pre-assembly" model is adopted, with 1:1 simulated lifting tests completed at the Nanning production base in Guangxi to identify and resolve node interference issues in advance; during construction, a trinity control system of "technician + safety officer + lifting commander" is established, combined with 5G remote monitoring systems to achieve real-time data feedback and emergency response throughout the lifting process. This full-chain collaboration model enabled Qinglong Group to successfully complete the lifting of an 8-ton irregular UHPC ribbon in a landmark project in Malaysia, setting the fastest record for similar construction in overseas projects.

The lifting of UHPC artistic shapes is not only an engineering challenge but also a comprehensive test of material properties, structural logic, and construction techniques. With 28 years of industry experience and 58 patented technologies, Qinglong Group deeply integrates technological innovation with engineering practice under the philosophy of "meticulousness and excellence," providing solid guarantees for the safe implementation of every artistic shape. In the future, as UHPC materials become widely applied in architectural decoration, Qinglong will continue to explore more efficient and precise lifting solutions, helping designers realize more imaginative creative visions and jointly reaching new heights of architectural aesthetics.