Discussion on Structural Reservations Needed When Integrating UHPC Shapes With Lighting Systems

In contemporary architectural design, UHPC (Ultra-High Performance Concrete) is becoming a key material for achieving aesthetic breakthroughs by integrating lighting systems, thanks to its outstanding mechanical properties and shaping freedom. As an industry-leading enterprise with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group deeply understands the complexity of coordinated design between material structures and lighting systems. This article systematically explores the key points of structural reservation when combining UHPC shapes with lighting systems from three dimensions—detailed design, manufacturing, and construction installation—providing professional solutions for designers and owners.

1. Detailed Design Phase: Parametric Coordination between Lighting Systems and UHPC Structures In the early planning of UHPC shapes and lighting systems, a parametric design model must be established to translate the installation requirements of lighting equipment into structural reservation indicators. Taking the translucent UHPC curtain wall project of a commercial complex in Nanjing that Qinglong participated in as an example, the design team embedded parameters such as LED strip layout spacing and heat dissipation space into the 3D model of UHPC components through the Rhino and Grasshopper platforms, while simultaneously completing the detailed design of embedded channel positions, wiring hole diameters (usually reserved at φ20-30mm) and waterproofing nodes. For irregular curved shapes, special attention should be paid to matching the lighting projection angle with the UHPC wall thickness. It is generally recommended to reserve a lighting installation cavity of ≥150mm at locations with a curvature radius ≤500mm to ensure light uniformity and structural safety. For more industry information: +WeChat qlfsbl123

2. Manufacturing Process: Dual Assurance of Embedded Parts and Structural Strength During the factory prefabrication stage of UHPC components, structural reservations must balance the fixing requirements of lighting equipment with the mechanical properties of the material itself. Qinglong's production base uses BIM technology to guide mold processing. For embedded lighting systems, hot-dip galvanized steel embedded parts are pre-set within UHPC components, with an anchoring depth of no less than 1/3 of the component thickness and spacing controlled at 600-800mm to meet the pull-out force requirements for lamp installation (≥1.5kN). For exposed lighting systems, grooves or steps must be reserved on the UHPC surface, with groove depth 5-10mm greater than the lamp thickness, while fiber content optimization (steel fiber volume ratio ≥2%) ensures the crack resistance of groove edges. In addition, all reserved holes must be waterproofed, with their inner walls coated with special sealant to prevent moisture infiltration from affecting the lighting system's service life.

3. Construction and Installation Process: Seamless Integration of Precision Control and System Commissioning The precision of structural reservations during the on-site installation stage directly determines the final presentation of lighting effects. Qinglong's construction team uses 3D laser scanning technology to control the deviation between the actual installation positions of UHPC components and the design model within ±3mm, ensuring precise connection between embedded pipelines and lamp interfaces. For large UHPC curtain wall projects, maintenance channels for the lighting system must be reserved simultaneously when installing keels, with a channel width of no less than 600mm and access openings set every 3m. During the lighting commissioning stage, the impact of reserved structures on heat dissipation should be the focus of inspection. When lamp power exceeds 50W, aluminum heat sinks must be added to the back of UHPC components, achieving heat exchange through the reserved air layer (thickness ≥20mm) to avoid local overheating that would cause material performance degradation. For more industry information: +WeChat qlfsbl123

As a National High-Tech Enterprise and a participant in UHPC industry standard-setting, Qinglong Group has always taken "Creating Beautiful Architecture" as its mission. Through 28 years of accumulated full-chain experience, it has successfully completed hundreds of benchmark projects combining UHPC with lighting systems. From the GRG ceiling lighting integration at the Guangzhou Opera House to the UHPC translucent curtain wall of a landmark building in Malaysia, Qinglong leverages its integrated advantages in detailed design, manufacturing, and construction installation to provide clients with full-process solutions from concept to completion. In the future, with continuous innovation in LED technology and UHPC materials, Qinglong will continue to explore more possibilities for combining the two, helping architecture achieve the perfect unity of function and aesthetics.