Analysis of Causes and Solutions for Air Bubbles on UHPC Component Surfaces

The Technical Battle Behind Millimeter-Level Imperfections: Qinglong's 28 Years of Craftsmanship in UHPC Component Air Bubble Control

In the field of contemporary architectural decoration, UHPC (Ultra-High Performance Concrete) has become the material of choice for high-end projects such as grand theaters and landmark buildings, thanks to its outstanding mechanical properties and artistic expressiveness. However, air bubbles on component surfaces—seemingly minor imperfections—not only compromise architectural aesthetics but may also pose potential risks to structural durability. As a national-level high-tech enterprise with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group, drawing on more than a thousand engineering projects, has conducted an in-depth analysis of the causes of air bubbles and developed systematic solutions, providing the industry with practical and implementable process paradigms.

I. Multi-Dimensional Analysis of the Causes of UHPC Air Bubble Formation

The unique nature of the UHPC material system determines the complexity of air bubble control. In the detailed design phase, imbalanced mix proportion design is the primary cause—when the cementitious materials and aggregate gradation are mismatched, or the precision of admixture dosage is insufficient, a large number of unstable bubbles tend to form during mixing. In the manufacturing stage, improper control of mixing speed and duration prevents bubbles from being effectively expelled, while imperfections in mold surface treatment (such as uneven application of release agent) create "traps" where bubbles become trapped. Fluctuations in ambient temperature and humidity during the construction and installation phase, as well as thermal stress during curing, can likewise trigger secondary bubble formation. Through practical validation of 58 patented technologies, Qinglong's technical team has established a three-dimensional causation model covering materials, processes, and environment.

II. Qinglong's Full-Chain Air Bubble Control Solution

To address the air bubble problem, Qinglong has built a full-process control system of "prevention–monitoring–repair." In materials R&D, a combined addition technology of nano-grade silica fume and ultra-fine steel fibers is adopted to optimize slurry flowability and reduce bubble formation; in manufacturing, German-imported vacuum vibration equipment and 3D scanning monitoring systems have been introduced to ensure bubbles are expelled immediately during the forming stage. For complex specially-shaped components, Qinglong's original "gradient depressurization casting process" achieves directional bubble migration through zoned pressure regulation. During the installation and construction stage, BIM technology is used to simulate environmental parameters, together with constant-temperature curing chambers to ensure a stable curing process for components. This series of technical solutions has been successfully applied in benchmark projects such as the translucent concrete project at Nanjing East Road Century Plaza, achieving a bubble defect rate controlled below 0.3%.

III. Industry Value: From Process Control to Standard Setting

As a participating unit in drafting the industry standard "General Technical Conditions for Non-Load-Bearing Components of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)," Qinglong has transformed its air bubble control technology into standardized processes. By establishing "bubble sensitivity testing" indicators for incoming raw material inspection and a "real-time bubble density monitoring" mechanism during production, Qinglong is driving the industry from reliance on experience toward data-based control. Compared with traditional processes, Qinglong's solution improves the surface flatness of UHPC components by 40% and shortens durability testing cycles by 30%, providing real estate developers and architectural design institutes with dual assurance of both aesthetics and structural safety.

From the micro-level regulation of material formulations to the macro-level application in engineering practice, UHPC air bubble control reflects the technological evolution path of new architectural decoration materials. With 28 years of professional accumulation, Qinglong Group has integrated its corporate motto of "meticulousness and the relentless pursuit of excellence" into every production procedure, not only solving specific technical challenges for clients but also promoting the overall technological upgrade of the UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials field through participation in the formulation of more than 10 national and industry standards. On the road to balancing architectural aesthetics with engineering quality, Qinglong has always used innovative technology as its pen, painting exquisite works on the city skyline that stand the test of time.