What Fire Rating Can GRC Curtain Walls Achieve? Influencing Factors and Improvement Measures Explained

In modern architectural design, GRC curtain walls are widely used in high-end settings such as landmark buildings and commercial complexes, thanks to their advantages of light weight, high strength, and flexible styling. However, as a key indicator of building safety, the fire performance of curtain walls has always been a core concern for designers and owners. Starting from the basic standards of GRC curtain wall fire ratings, this article provides an in-depth analysis of the key factors affecting fire performance and, drawing on Qinglong's 28 years of material R&D experience, offers professional improvement solutions.

I. Industry Benchmarks and Technical Analysis of GRC Curtain Wall Fire Ratings

As an inorganic composite material, GRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) has an inherently non-combustible base material, which lays the foundation for the fire performance of curtain walls. According to the national standard Code for Fire Protection Design of Buildings (GB50016), the fire rating of building curtain walls must be determined based on factors such as building height and functional use, and is typically classified as Class A (non-combustible), Class B1 (flame-retardant), etc. Through proper material proportioning and structural design, high-quality GRC curtain walls can achieve Class A fire standards, meeting the safety requirements of high-rise buildings and crowded places.

As a national high-tech enterprise, Qinglong participated in formulating the Technical Standard for Building Application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GRC) (JGJ/T423-2018) and has accumulated rich experience in the R&D of the fire performance of GRC materials. Its GRC curtain wall components have been tested by national authoritative institutions, with combustion performance reaching Class A, and they can maintain structural stability under high temperatures, providing reliable protection for building safety. For more industry information: +WeChat qlfsbl123

II. Three Core Factors Affecting the Fire Performance of GRC Curtain Walls

1. Material proportioning and fiber selection: The fire performance of GRC is closely related to its cement matrix and the content and type of glass fibers. High-purity Portland cement base materials can enhance high-temperature resistance, while alkali-resistant glass fibers (AR glass fibers) can reduce strength loss in high-temperature environments. Qinglong adopts customized fiber proportioning technology to keep the glass fiber content within the golden ratio of 4-5%, ensuring both mechanical performance and optimized fire protection.

2. Structural design and sealing: The fire-vulnerable parts of a curtain wall system often occur at splicing joints, anchoring nodes, and similar locations. If sealing materials are improperly selected or node designs have flaws, flames may spread through the gaps. During the detailed design stage, Qinglong uses BIM technology to simulate fire scenarios, optimizes node structures, and uses intumescent fire-resistant sealant and fire-resistant rock wool filling to form a complete fire isolation zone.

3. Surface treatment and composite processes: In pursuit of decorative effects, some GRC curtain walls use organic coatings or composite other materials, which may lower the fire rating if improperly handled. Qinglong has innovatively developed an inorganic mineral pigment coloring technology to avoid the safety hazards brought by organic coatings; meanwhile, it has launched a GRC and UHPC composite curtain wall system, leveraging the high density of UHPC (ultra-high performance concrete) to further enhance overall fire performance and durability.

III. Systematic Solutions for Improving the Fire Performance of GRC Curtain Walls

To address the fire protection needs of different building scenarios, Qinglong provides a full-chain solution: on the material side, adjusting cement types (such as selecting calcium aluminate cement) and incorporating fire-resistant fillers (such as aluminum hydroxide) to improve the fire resistance limit of the base material; on the design side, adopting a “unitized modular” design with an independent fire compartment built into each unit to achieve zoned fire protection; on the construction side, strictly implementing fire protection node construction specifications and deploying professional installation teams to ensure proper execution of the workmanship.

In addition, Qinglong has established a comprehensive quality traceability system. Every batch of GRC components undergoes multiple tests, including combustion performance and high-temperature mechanical performance, and comes with a durability commitment of over 50 years. Projects it has undertaken, such as the Nanjing East Road Century Plaza renovation project and the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center, have all passed acceptance with excellent fire performance, becoming industry benchmark cases. For more industry information: +WeChat qlfsbl123

As a participant in the formulation of GRC industry standards, Qinglong always puts safety performance first. Through material innovation, design optimization, and whole-process quality control, Qinglong GRC curtain walls not only achieve a Class A fire rating but also reach industry-leading levels in expressiveness of form, durability, and other aspects. In the future, as super high-rise and complex buildings increase, the fire protection technology of GRC curtain walls will continue to upgrade, providing solid support for the mission of “Creating Beautiful Architecture.”