Do Installation Methods Differ for GRC Components of Different Weights?

GRC components of different weights differ significantly in their installation methods, mainly in four aspects: “lifting equipment selection, connection joint design, installation precision control, and safety measure levels.” Qinglong Group roughly categorizes GRC components by weight into three classes: light (<100kg), medium (100-500kg), and heavy (>500kg), and has developed differentiated installation methods for each class. In the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center project, we simultaneously carried out installations ranging from decorative lines weighing tens of kilograms to large roof components weighing several tons, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the overall project through classified approaches.

Fundamental Differences in Lifting Equipment and Methods

This is the most visible difference. 1) Light components: can be positioned using small electric hoists, manual chain hoists, or manual assistance, with soft lifting slings or nylon ropes commonly used as lifting gear. 2) Medium components: require truck cranes, tower cranes, or winches; lifting gear must be customized to the component shape, typically using spreader beams combined with slings, or vacuum suction cups (suitable for smooth-faced panels). 3) Heavy and irregularly shaped components: a dedicated lifting plan must be designed and large lifting equipment adopted; lifting points must be rigorously calculated, and, where necessary, custom steel truss lifting frames should be designed to ensure even load distribution and prevent deformation.

Load Capacity and Structural Design of Connection Joints

The design of connection joints must match the component weight. 1) Light components: can be directly fixed with chemical anchors or smaller-size undercut anchors, with relatively simple joints. 2) Medium components: require high-strength undercut anchors, and a locally reinforced “load-bearing pocket” is usually provided on the back of the panel. Connection hangers need sufficient adjustment allowance. 3) Heavy components: the connection system is often a complex steel framework system; embedded parts are mostly large steel plates, welded or connected with high-strength bolts to the main structure, requiring detailed finite element analysis and possibly multiple fall-prevention devices.

Level of Refinement in Installation Precision and Adjustment Techniques

The heavier the component, the harder it is to adjust and the higher the requirement for initial installation precision. Light components can be fine-tuned manually. Once heavy components are lifted, adjustment is very difficult, so precise surveying and setting out (e.g., total stations, laser levels) and three-dimensionally adjustable connectors are essential to achieve “precise lifting, fine-tuned positioning.” In the installation of heavy double-curved panels at the Wuhan Han Show Theatre, we adopted a BIM-guided “aerial 3D coordinate positioning method” to achieve millimeter-level precision.

Levels of Safety Measures and Emergency Plans

Safety risks increase sharply with weight. The installation of heavy components requires a dedicated safety plan subject to expert review. The lifting area must be strictly cordoned off, with dedicated personnel directing operations. All lifting slings and rigging must have certificates of conformity and be inspected regularly. Installation personnel must hold valid certifications and receive detailed safety technical briefings. A complete emergency plan must be developed to address possible contingencies such as equipment failure and sudden weather changes. Qinglong always regards safety as the first principle of installation work, regardless of component weight.