What Are the Reinforcement Measures for Hollow GRC Shapes? Thin-Section Reinforcement and Qinglong Group's Structural Innovation Solutions

The reinforcement measures for openwork GRC shapes aim to solve the three major structural challenges caused by high openwork ratios—"reduced cross-section, stress concentration, and local brittleness"—and require systematic strengthening through strategies such as "topology optimization, local thickening, fiber orientation, and composite materials." In the artistic openwork curtain wall project (45% openwork ratio) of the Shenzhen Yirui Biotechnology Building, Qinglong Group comprehensively applied multiple reinforcement techniques: determining the optimal rib grid layout through finite element topology optimization; setting annular thickened zones at hole edges (width ≥20mm); using directionally sprayed continuous fiber bundles along the main load-bearing paths; and combining them with carbon fiber mesh, ultimately enabling components with a minimum rib width of only 8mm to still achieve a flexural strength of over 12MPa. Reinforcement is not simply "making it thicker"—it is a precise "structural redesign."

Topology Optimization and Shape Strengthening at the Design Level

In the conceptual design stage, topology optimization algorithms are used to find the optimal material distribution paths under given openwork patterns and load conditions, generating natural, efficient "skeletal" support structures. At hole edges, forced "chamfering" is applied (fillet radius R ≥5mm) to avoid stress concentration at sharp corners. Long strip-shaped openings are changed to honeycomb or triangular grid patterns to leverage structural stability.

Local Reinforcement at the Material and Process Level

In key areas such as around holes and along component edges, local thickening is achieved through mold design, forming "reinforced frames" or "reinforcement rings." During spray molding, the fiber content in these areas is increased (to 5-6%), or longer fibers are used. Our self-developed "selective fiber placement" technology can directionally arrange high-strength fiber bundles along the main load-bearing direction, significantly improving local load capacity.

Use of Composite Reinforcement Materials

For ultra-thin (≤10mm) or extra-large openwork components, a layer of high-strength fiber mesh (such as carbon fiber or basalt fiber mesh) is composited within the GRC layer, forming a "GRC-fiber mesh-GRC" sandwich structure. This greatly improves the component's integrity and impact resistance, preventing cracks from penetrating through. The mesh must be embedded at the intermediate layer during the spraying process to ensure it is fully encapsulated by the slurry.

Special Reinforcement of Connection Nodes

Connection points of openwork panels must be located in solid areas, with radial reinforcement around the connection points. Stiffening ribs must be welded to the back of embedded parts to expand the load-bearing area. We typically require the area within 100mm around connection points to be solid, with a thickness no less than 1.5 times the panel thickness.

Through the above systematic reinforcement measures, openwork GRC achieves the unity of artistic expression and structural safety. With in-depth material mechanics research and innovative processes, Qinglong Group continues to push the limits of the openwork ratio, making buildings lighter and more open.