How Does the Weight of UHPC Panels Differ by Thickness? Lightweight Design and Qinglong Group's Load Control Technology

The weight of UHPC panels grows nonlinearly with their thickness. At a standard density of 2350kg/m³, a 10mm thick panel weighs approximately 23.5kg/㎡, while a 30mm panel increases to 70.5kg/㎡. Through mix proportion optimization (incorporating lightweight aggregates such as ceramsite), Qinglong Group can reduce the density to 2100kg/㎡, with a 20mm thick panel weighing only 42kg/㎡. In the light-transmitting concrete project at Shanghai New World Century Plaza, we adopted a hollow structure design, keeping the weight of a 12㎡ large panel under 480kg—a 35% weight reduction compared to solid panels. Weight control is an important demonstration of UHPC's high performance.

Precise Conversion Between Thickness and Weight

According to Qinglong's production data, each additional 1mm of thickness adds 2.35kg/㎡ to the weight of a UHPC panel. A 15mm thick standard panel weighs 35.25kg/㎡, suitable for curtain wall cladding; a 25mm panel weighs 58.75kg/㎡, suitable for load-bearing structures; panels thicker than 40mm (≥94kg/㎡) require dedicated structural verification. We provide an online calculation tool where customers can enter dimensions to obtain accurate weight figures.

Diverse Technical Approaches for Lightweighting

By incorporating shale ceramsite (density 800kg/m³) to replace part of the aggregates, density can be reduced by 10%-15%; designing hollow-out patterns (30% hollow-out rate) can reduce weight by 25%; adopting a sandwich structure (UHPC face layer + foam core material) achieves a 40% weight reduction while ensuring strength. Through hollow-out rate optimization, the double-curved curtain wall of the Nanning New Media Center keeps the weight of 6m high panels within 180kg.

Weight Affects Installation and Economics

Panels weighing less than 50kg can be installed by 2 people, panels of 50-200kg require mechanical hoisting, and those over 200kg require a dedicated plan. In terms of transportation costs, each truck has a standard load capacity of 20 tons and can carry approximately 570㎡ of 15mm thick panels. We recommend that customers achieve a balance between load and cost through thickness optimization and structural design.

Significant Advantages of Light Weight and High Strength

Compared with traditional stone, a 20mm thick UHPC panel weighs only 1/3 of granite of the same size, greatly reducing the load on the main structure. In the renovation project of the Shenzhen Yirui Biotechnology Building, the use of UHPC curtain walls eliminated the need to reinforce the original structure, saving approximately 2 million yuan in costs.

Scientific weight control is a crucial aspect of UHPC applications. Through material innovation and structural optimization, Qinglong Group helps customers achieve the unity of safety and economy.