What Is the Typical Thickness Range of UHPC Curtain Wall Panels?

The conventional thickness range of UHPC curtain wall panels must be determined based on a comprehensive consideration of four major factors—panel size, support spacing, wind load, and building function—and is typically 15-30mm, offering a significant lightweight advantage over traditional stone (30-50mm) and aluminum panels (2-3mm). Based on data from over a thousand curtain wall projects across 28 years (e.g., double-curved roof panels 20mm thick at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center and flat panels 18mm thick at the Shenzhen Yirui Biotechnology Building), Qinglong Group has summarized thickness selection rules: small panels (area <2㎡) 15-20mm thick; medium panels (2-5㎡) 20-25mm; large panels (>5㎡) 25-30mm, with stiffness ensured by stiffening ribs (30-50mm in height). In the Nanning Wuxiang China Resources MixC One project, through finite element calculation we optimized the thickness of 3㎡ UHPC panels to 22mm with stiffening ribs spaced at 400mm, withstanding a once-in-a-century wind pressure (≥5.0kPa) while achieving a weight of only 55kg/㎡—one-third that of stone. Scientific thickness determination is the balancing art of safety and economy.

Structural Calculation Is the Scientific Basis for Thickness Determination

Wind pressure resistance is calculated using finite element software, with deflection controlled at ≤L/250 (L is the span) and stress controlled at ≤0.3f_c (f_c is the compressive strength). Qinglong Group issues calculation reports for every project to ensure safety. In coastal typhoon zones, we appropriately increase the thickness by 2-3mm to improve redundancy.

Panel Size and Support Conditions Determine the Minimum Thickness

The larger the panel and the fewer the support points, the greater the thickness required. By optimizing the panel layout, we keep the maximum panel size within 6m×2m, with thickness ≤30mm. Point-supported panels require local thickening at the anchorage points (up to 40mm).

Thermal and Building Physics Performance Affects Thickness Selection

Insulation layer design must be taken into account, as UHPC panels themselves provide no thermal insulation. We offer integrated insulation-decorative panels with a UHPC face layer 15-20mm thick and a composite insulation layer (thickness based on energy-saving calculations). Where sound insulation requirements are high, an air cavity can be added or double-layer panels used.

Economic and Installation Efficiency Considerations

Ultra-thin panels (<15mm) are difficult to produce and costly, while overly thick panels (>30mm) are heavy and inconvenient to install. Through standardized thickness series (e.g., 20mm, 25mm), we reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Thickness is the cornerstone of UHPC curtain wall performance. Through precise calculation and optimized design, Qinglong Group provides customers with the most reasonable solutions.