Research on Key Technologies and Design Methods for Ensuring Structural Strength of Perforated Areas in UHPC Perforated Components

In contemporary architectural design, UHPC (Ultra-High Performance Concrete) has become an ideal material for creating landmark buildings thanks to its outstanding mechanical properties and design freedom. Among its applications, UHPC hollow components, with their lightweight and translucent visual effect, are increasingly used in high-end buildings such as cultural venues and commercial complexes. However, while hollow structures endow buildings with artistic beauty, they also pose severe challenges to structural strength. As an industry-leading enterprise with 28 years of experience in detailed design and production of UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group has developed a systematic strength assurance solution for UHPC hollow components through technological innovation and engineering practice.

I. Technical Challenges in Strength Assurance for UHPC Hollow Components

Structural strength control of UHPC hollow components requires balancing three core contradictions: first, the contradiction between hollowing rate and load-bearing capacity, as excessive hollowing may cause stress concentration; second, the contradiction between thin-walled structures and overall stability, as complex hollow shapes are prone to deformation; third, the contradiction between design complexity and construction feasibility, as the production and installation precision of irregularly shaped components directly affects structural safety. Take a cultural center project as an example: its facade features a 50mm-diameter UHPC hollow grid, and under wind pressure loads, the traditional design scheme showed a risk of joint cracking, highlighting the necessity of key technological breakthroughs.

II. Material Optimization: Innovation in UHPC Mix Proportions and Fiber Reinforcement Systems

Material performance is the foundation for ensuring the strength of hollow components. Qinglong Group's R&D team optimized the UHPC mix proportion through orthogonal tests and adopted a silica fume-ultrafine mineral powder composite admixture system, enabling the matrix compressive strength to stably reach over 150MPa. To meet the crack resistance requirements of hollow areas, the team innovatively applied a dual-blending technology of "steel fiber + basalt fiber", with the fiber volume content controlled at 2.5%-3%. Third-party testing showed that the flexural strength of the components increased by 40% and the toughness index reached 30kJ/m². This technical solution has been successfully applied to the translucent concrete project of the Nanjing East Road Century Plaza renovation project, winning the AALBORG WHITE Cup UHPC Construction Engineering Innovation Award.

III. Structural Design: Parametric Modeling and Finite Element Simulation Verification

In the design phase, Qinglong's technical team used the Rhino+Grasshopper parametric platform to build digital models of the hollow components, achieving topology optimization of the hollow units through parameter-driven design. Combined with ABAQUS finite element software for multi-condition load analysis, with a focus on simulating the stress distribution of hollow joints, the team adopted a "gradient wall thickness" design (minimum wall thickness ≥20mm) and a "concealed stiffening rib" technique to enhance structural stiffness without compromising aesthetics. In a grand theater project, by optimizing the rib cross-section of the hollow lattice, the component self-weight was reduced by 15% while meeting the live load requirement of 1.5kN/m².

IV. Production Process: Key Technologies in Mold Precision and Forming Control

High-precision production is a key link in ensuring design strength. Qinglong Group uses CNC-machined ABS molds to ensure that the forming precision of hollow details reaches ±0.5mm. The innovative application of a combined "vacuum-assisted casting + centrifugal forming" process solves the problem of insufficient concrete density in hollow areas; optimization of the steam curing regime (48 hours at a constant temperature of 90℃) promotes the full generation of hydration products. RFID chips are embedded during production to achieve full life-cycle quality traceability from raw materials to finished products, and this management system has passed ISO9001 certification.

V. Engineering Practice: Typical Applications of Qinglong UHPC Hollow Components

With its comprehensive technical system, Qinglong Group has completed a number of benchmark UHPC hollow component projects. In an international airport terminal project, UHPC hollow sunshades achieved an unsupported design with an 8m span and a hollowing rate of 45%; the GRC/UHPC composite hollow curtain wall of the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center achieved millimeter-level installation precision through BIM technology and won the first GRC Construction Engineering Innovation Award. The successful practice of these projects verifies Qinglong's technical strength in full-chain services for UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials.

As a national high-tech enterprise and an industry standard-setting organization, Qinglong Group has always upheld the mission of "creating beautiful architecture". Through collaborative innovation in materials, design and craftsmanship, it continuously pushes the technical boundaries of UHPC hollow components. In the future, with the integrated application of technologies such as 3D printing and intelligent construction, UHPC hollow components will shine in more landmark buildings, providing better solutions for the unity of architectural aesthetics and structural safety.