Does the forming difficulty of double-curved GRC panels differ with thickness?

Thickness variations in double-curved GRC panels do indeed affect forming difficulty. Based on multiple project practices, Qinglong Group has found that increasing panel thickness significantly raises forming difficulty. 15mm thick double-curved panels are relatively simple to form, while thick panels over 30mm require special processes to control the risk of deformation and cracking.

Forming thin panels (10-20mm) focuses on precision control. The slurry fluidity must reach 160-180mm to ensure proper filling of fine detailing. In Qinglong Group's Shenzhen Yirui Biotechnology Building project, 15mm thick double-curved panels were formed in a single spray pass, achieving 95% fiber distribution uniformity. However, thin panels deform easily, requiring reinforced mold support and immediate strengthening and curing after demolding.

Medium-thick panels (20-30mm) require layered forming. First, a 10mm base layer is sprayed, reinforcement mesh is laid, and then the surface layer is completed. In Qinglong Group's Hainan project, 25mm thick panels were constructed in two layers with a 30-minute interval between them to avoid delamination. Vibration time was extended to 60 seconds to ensure internal compaction. Increased thickness raises demolding adhesion, requiring optimization of the release agent formulation.

Thick panels (>30mm) are the most difficult. High internal hydration heat easily leads to thermal cracking. Qinglong Group uses low-heat cement mixed with ice water, controlling the mold placement temperature at ≤20°C. During curing, the temperature is raised slowly at a rate of ≤10°C/h. Through these measures, 40mm thick double-curved panels were successfully produced for special structural applications.