How to Achieve Demountable Connections for GRC Curtain Walls: Maintenance-Friendly Modular Connection Technology from Qinglong Group

Demountable connections for GRC curtain walls are designed to meet the needs of later-stage building maintenance, pipeline inspection, partial replacement, or future renovation. Their technical core lies in designing “standardized, tool-based, non-destructive” connection nodes. Qinglong Group has successfully applied a variety of demountable connection schemes in projects such as the Shenzhen Yirui Biotechnology Building and the Nanning New Media Center, including the “exposed-frame snap-fit”, “concealed-frame hook-on”, and “point-supported bolt” types. Their common features are: connectors are exposed or easily accessible, mechanical locking can be released with special tools (such as a hex wrench), and removing a single panel causes no damage to surrounding panels or the sealing system. In the Nanning New Media Center project, we designed demountable connections for nearly 30% of the GRC panels, greatly facilitating the inspection and maintenance of the internal LED light strips. Demountable design is an important means of endowing a building with “vitality” and adaptability.

Exposed-Frame Snap-Fit Connection: Intuitive and Reliable

Specially made aluminum alloy or stainless steel profiles are used as the frame, with the GRC panel embedded inside and fixed by pressure strips or snaps. When dismantling is required, simply removing the pressure strip screws allows the panel to be taken off. This connection is intuitive and reliable, waterproofing relies on multiple rubber gaskets, and panels reinstall well after removal. We generally control the size of demountable panels within what a single person can carry (usually <1.5㎡).

Concealed-Frame Hook-On Connection: Attractive and Convenient

Metal inserts with internal threads are pre-embedded on the back of the GRC panel, which connects to the keel through special hangers. The hanger is designed as a “hook” — it hangs in during installation, and for dismantling, the sealant of the surrounding panels must first be removed, then a special tool is used to lift the panel upward before taking it out. This connection offers a clean appearance but demands high installation precision. Qinglong Group's patented hangers feature guiding and positioning devices, making assembly and disassembly easier.

Point-Supported Bolt Connection: Flexible and Precise

At the four corners of the panel, stainless steel undercut bolts connect to adjustable adapters, which are then fixed to the main structure. For dismantling, simply loosen the nuts of the bolts. This connection is flexible and suitable for areas requiring precise position adjustment. We design protective covers at the connection points, which are both aesthetically pleasing and effective in preventing bolt corrosion.

Restorable Design of the Sealing System

One of the challenges of demountable connections is restoring the sealing system. We adopt a composite sealing form of “gasket + structural sealant”, where gaskets are reusable and structural sealant can be re-applied when necessary. Dedicated channels and working space are also reserved for the sealing of demountable panels.

Demountable connections embody the “full life cycle” design concept. Through ingenious node design, Qinglong Group makes GRC curtain walls not only sturdy and durable but also easy to maintain and update, extending the overall life of the building.