What Is the Construction Process for Retrofitting Existing Building Exterior Walls with UHPC Panels? A Systematic Engineering Guide for Facade Renewal

Renovating existing building facades with UHPC panels is a systematic project involving structural safety, functional upgrades, and aesthetic coordination. Its scientific workflow can be summarized in five stages: "inspection and assessment – design adaptation – factory prefabrication – rapid installation – long-term maintenance." Qinglong Group's practice in multiple urban renewal projects shows that a quality renovation should achieve a construction period 40% shorter than traditional curtain walls, keep the increase in building load within 10%, and bring facade performance up to the Class A standard for new construction. Precise process control is the core of project success.

Comprehensive inspection and assessment is the foundation. The original facade substrate requires structural testing (hollowing, cracking, strength), flatness measurement (deviation must be ≤±10mm/2m), and feasibility evaluation of removing attachments (such as old tiles). Qinglong Group combines 3D laser scanning with core sampling to generate a digital as-is model. Based on this, the design phase must solve the connection challenge between new and old systems: we developed a light steel keel conversion system that connects to the original structure via post-installed anchors (pull-out resistance ≥5kN), with adjustable mechanisms to compensate for substrate unevenness. UHPC panel layouts must be cleverly aligned with existing window openings to avoid large-scale demolition and modification.

Factory prefabrication ensures quality and efficiency. Renovation projects place greater emphasis on component lightweighting (panel thickness typically controlled at 18-22mm) and modularization. Qinglong Group optimizes panel division through BIM technology, keeping each panel's weight ≤80kg for easy manual handling. Embedded parts installation and surface treatment are completed during production, enabling "on-site dry construction." Installation proceeds from top to bottom: the top positioning panels are installed first, then layer by layer downward. The key lies in connection joint sealing—we use composite sealing strips together with silicone weather-resistant sealant to form multiple lines of waterproofing defense.

Renovation projects require particular attention to minimizing disruption to existing functions. Qinglong Group uses unitized hoisting, completing 300-500 square meters of installation per day and significantly shortening the time the exterior envelope remains open. After renovation, the building not only gains a renewed appearance, but its thermal insulation and waterproofing performance are also upgraded simultaneously, multiplying its value.