Analysis of Structural and Design Points to Reserve When Combining UHPC Shapes with Lighting Systems

In contemporary architectural design, UHPC (Ultra-High Performance Concrete) is becoming a key material for achieving the fusion of architectural aesthetics and functionality, thanks to its outstanding mechanical properties and design freedom. When UHPC forms are combined with lighting systems, structural reservations and design coordination directly determine the final result. As an industry-leading enterprise with 28 years of experience in detailed design, manufacturing, and construction of UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group has systematically organized the key technical points from three dimensions—material properties, structural safety, and lighting optimization—drawing on the practice of hundreds of landmark projects.

I. Key Points of Structural Reservations for Integrating UHPC Forms with Lighting Systems

The high density and low shrinkage properties of UHPC provide an inherent advantage for the concealed installation of lighting systems, but precise reservations must be completed at the design stage. First, the dimensions of reserved slots must be determined according to the type of lighting (such as linear lights, wall washers, and point light sources); the slot depth is typically 15%-20% larger than the luminaire size to allow space for heat dissipation. Taking the Century Plaza renovation project on Nanjing East Road, in which Qinglong participated, as an example, its translucent UHPC components feature 50mm-diameter LED strip slots pre-set through BIM technology, achieving a dual effect of a fair-faced concrete texture by day and uniform lighting effects at night.

Second, structural load-bearing design must account for the additional loads of the lighting system. UHPC weighs approximately 2400kg/m³—only one quarter of traditional stone—but when combined with embedded lighting, the strength of anchor points must be verified using finite element analysis software. Using a process of "embedded metal connectors + fiber-reinforced joints," Qinglong's technical team successfully secured 35kg of lighting equipment per square meter on the UHPC hyperbolic facade of a commercial complex in Guangzhou; this technology has been granted a national utility model patent.

II. Key Technical Strategies in Design Coordination

The integrated design of lighting and UHPC forms requires solving the problem of matching the material's optical properties with the desired lighting effects. The light transmittance of UHPC can be precisely controlled between 0.5% and 20% by adjusting the cement-based formulation. The translucent UHPC components developed by Qinglong adopt a composite process of nano-scale silica fume and glass fibers; in the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center project, they achieved a uniform diffuse reflection effect across a 300-meter-long translucent cornice. In addition, surface treatment directly affects the precision of light reflection. Qinglong's proprietary "mirror polishing + sealed curing" technology controls surface flatness within 0.3mm/m, avoiding light spot deviations caused by light refraction.

For lighting installation on irregular structures, parametric design is the core solution. Qinglong's technical team uses Rhino and Grasshopper to build parametric models, generating lighting wiring and UHPC mold machining simultaneously. In the hyperbolic GRG ceiling project of a museum in Shenzhen, 1:1 prefabricated modules kept the deviation between lighting and form within ±2mm. This full-process digital management of "design-production-installation" exemplifies Qinglong's core competitiveness as a national high-tech enterprise.

III. Quality Control System in Engineering Practice

To ensure the long-term stability of UHPC forms and lighting systems, a full life-cycle quality control system must be established. In terms of materials, Qinglong strictly implements the industry standard "General Technical Conditions for Non-load-bearing Components of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)"; every batch of products passes freeze-thaw resistance testing (-40°C to 50°C, 50 cycles) and aging resistance testing (1000 hours of UV exposure). During construction, 3D laser scanning positioning technology, combined with Qinglong's independently developed modular installation tooling, enabled the seamless integration of 5,000㎡ UHPC curtain walls and lighting systems in the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center expansion project.

As Vice Chairman Unit of the China GRC Association, Qinglong has always upheld the mission of "creating beautiful architecture," deeply integrating material innovation with engineering practice. Whether it is the interplay of light and shadow in translucent UHPC components or the coordination of acoustics and lighting in GRG ceilings, Qinglong leverages 28 years of full-chain service experience to provide designers and owners with integrated solutions from concept design to after-sales maintenance. In the future, with the development of BIM technology and intelligent construction, the integration of UHPC and lighting systems will move toward a more precise and more creative new stage, and Qinglong will continue to drive the upgrade of industry standards, fulfilling its vision of "becoming a world-class leading manufacturer of UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP."