What Fire Resistance Rating Can GRC Curtain Walls Achieve? An Analysis of Fire Performance and Rating Standards

Building safety starts with fire protection. In modern architectural design, curtain walls serve as the building's "outer garment," and their fire performance directly affects the safety of lives and property. With their unique material characteristics and process advantages, GRC curtain walls demonstrate outstanding performance in fire protection, making them an ideal choice for high-end building curtain walls. As an industry leader with 28 years of expertise in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group will provide a comprehensive interpretation of the fire safety code of GRC curtain walls, covering fire resistance rating standards, performance analysis, and practical applications.

Core Standards for the Fire Resistance Rating of GRC Curtain Walls and Their Industry Positioning

The fire resistance rating of GRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) curtain walls is typically assessed according to the national standards Code for Fire Protection Design of Buildings (GB50016) and Building Curtain Walls (GB/T21086). Mainstream products achieve B1-class flame-retardant performance with a fire resistance limit of over 1 hour, while some customized products, through formula optimization and structural design, can meet higher fire protection requirements. This performance stems from the inorganic nature of the GRC material itself—a cement-based composite reinforced with alkali-resistant glass fibers, free of flammable components, producing no toxic smoke at high temperatures, and exhibiting good thermal stability that effectively slows the spread of fire. As a National High-Tech Enterprise, Qinglong Group participated in drafting the Technical Standard for Building Application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GRC) (JGJ/T423-2018), which established the technical indicators and testing methods for the fire performance of GRC curtain walls, consolidating its professional standing in the field of fire-resistant curtain walls.

Three Key Advantages of GRC Curtain Wall Fire Performance

First, material composition determines the fire protection foundation. The base material of GRC curtain walls is a cement-based composite whose main components are Portland cement, quartz sand, and alkali-resistant glass fibers. These inorganic materials are inherently non-combustible, with a combustion performance of Class A1, cutting off the medium of flame propagation at the source. Second, structural design reinforces the fire barrier. Qinglong GRC curtain walls form a complete fire protection system through processes such as optimizing panel thickness, installing fire-resistant separation layers, and using fire-resistant sealants. For example, at the connection joints between the curtain wall and the main structure, fire-resistant rock wool filling is used to effectively prevent flames and high-temperature gases from penetrating. Finally, customized solutions meet scenario-specific needs. For crowded venues such as grand theaters and convention centers, Qinglong can enhance the fire resistance limit of components by adjusting material ratios (such as increasing fiber content and optimizing aggregate gradation), ensuring valuable time for evacuation in the event of a fire.

Qinglong GRC Curtain Wall Fire Protection Solutions: Practice and Trust Endorsements

As one of the larger GRC manufacturers in China, Qinglong Group has provided fire-resistant curtain wall solutions for numerous landmark projects, backed by its full-chain service capabilities (detailed design, manufacturing, construction and installation, and after-sales maintenance). For example, in a provincial cultural center project, the GRC curtain walls it supplied were tested by the National Quality Supervision and Testing Center for Fire Building Materials, achieving a fire resistance limit of 1.5 hours—far exceeding the design requirements—while also meeting the project's artistic modeling needs. Qinglong GRC products have not only passed the Guangdong Province Science and Technology Achievement Appraisal but have also won multiple Science and Technology Progress Awards. Its production base has an annual capacity of 600,000 square meters, ensuring rapid delivery for large-scale projects. In addition, as Vice Chairman Unit of the China GRC Association and a member of the International GRC Association, Qinglong has always pursued the mission of "creating aesthetically beautiful buildings," making fire safety a core indicator in product R&D, and providing designers and owners with expert-level solutions that combine aesthetics and safety.

Today, as building safety receives increasing attention, GRC curtain walls have become the material of choice for high-end building curtain walls thanks to their excellent fire performance, rich modeling capabilities, and reliable durability. Qinglong Group will continue to leverage its 28 years of industry experience and technical advantages, applying professional innovation and strict quality control to make every piece of GRC curtain wall the building's "safety armor" and contribute to the fire safety of urban architecture. Choose Qinglong GRC—choose an architectural decoration solution that combines aesthetics and safety.