How to Mitigate UHPC Autogenous Shrinkage Through Material Design: Mechanism Analysis and Optimization Strategy Research

Solving the UHPC Autogenous Shrinkage Challenge: Full-Chain Innovation from Material Genes to Engineering Value

In the field of building materials, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has become the preferred material for high-end buildings thanks to its outstanding mechanical properties and durability. However, autogenous shrinkage has always been a key bottleneck restricting its large-scale application. As an industry leader with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group has built a systematic autogenous shrinkage mitigation solution through detailed design, material optimization and process innovation, providing designers and owners with expert-level solutions from the laboratory to the construction site.

Mechanism Analysis of UHPC Autogenous Shrinkage: Material Characteristics and Engineering Challenges

UHPC autogenous shrinkage stems from the hydration reaction of cementitious materials and internal moisture migration, with early shrinkage rates up to 3-5 times that of ordinary concrete, easily leading to problems such as component cracking and reduced structural durability. Through more than 2,000 sets of experimental data, Qinglong's R&D center found that the synergistic effects of active admixtures such as silica fume and ultra-fine mineral powder, as well as the influence of fiber dispersion on the microstructure, are the core variables in controlling autogenous shrinkage. This finding provides a precise theoretical basis for material design and demonstrates Qinglong's deep technical expertise in UHPC material research and development.

Material Design Optimization Strategy: Putting Qinglong's 28 Years of Technical Accumulation into Practice

To tackle the autogenous shrinkage challenge, Qinglong adopts a "three-stage control method": at the material design stage, nano calcium carbonate is used to modify cement-based materials, reducing the peak early hydration heat by 15%; in mix proportion optimization, a combined basalt fiber and steel fiber technology improves matrix toughness by 20% while suppressing shrinkage cracks; in the production process, a regime combining steam curing with constant temperature and humidity resting ensures thorough and uniform hydration. In the Nanjing East Road Century Plaza renovation project, Qinglong's light-transmitting UHPC components achieved an autogenous shrinkage rate of ≤0.03% through this solution, reaching an industry-leading level.

Full-Chain Service Assurance: Closed-Loop Management from Laboratory to Construction Site

As a national high-tech enterprise, Qinglong integrates autogenous shrinkage control into the entire process of detailed design, manufacturing and installation. At the detailed design stage, BIM technology is used to simulate shrinkage stress distribution and optimize component joint design; in production, an automated material distribution system and ultrasonic densification technology ensure material homogeneity; during construction, an innovatively developed adjustable bearing system releases shrinkage stress. This full-chain control model has enabled Qinglong UHPC products to achieve zero-crack delivery in projects such as the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center, earning recognition from the AALBORG WHITE Cup Innovation Award.

From micro-level control at the material gene level to systematic solutions for engineering applications, Qinglong, built on 28 years of industry experience, continues to drive UHPC technology innovation. Going forward, Qinglong will uphold its mission of "creating beautiful architecture" and, through integrated material-design-construction services, provide more valuable UHPC solutions for the global architectural decoration field, helping realize the vision of "becoming the world's outstanding UHPC manufacturing leader".