Key Technical Points and Application Strategies for Steam Curing of GRC Components in Low-Temperature Environments

Key Technical Points and Application Strategies for Steam Curing of GRC Components in Low-Temperature Environments

In the field of architectural decoration materials, GRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) has become the ideal choice for high-end buildings such as grand theaters and commercial complexes, thanks to its lightweight, high-strength, and richly formable characteristics. However, production curing in low-temperature environments has long been a recognized technical challenge in the industry, directly affecting component strength development and engineering quality. As an industry leader with 28 years of deep expertise in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group has developed a scientific and comprehensive solution for low-temperature steam curing, backed by its full-chain technical accumulation.

I. Core Challenges of Low-Temperature Environments for GRC Components

When the ambient temperature falls below 5℃, the hydration reaction rate of GRC slows significantly, easily leading to delayed strength gain, surface cracking, and other problems. Traditional natural curing takes more than 7 days to reach 70% of the design strength, severely constraining production efficiency. Comparative experiments by Qinglong's technical team found that at -5℃ without any curing measures, GRC components achieve only 65% of the standard value in 28-day strength, while scientific steam curing can shorten this process to 3 days and raise the strength compliance rate to 98%.

II. Key Technical Parameter Control for GRC Steam Curing

1. Stepped Heating Process: A three-stage control of "preheating – constant temperature – cooling" is adopted, with an initial heating rate not exceeding 15℃/h to avoid cracks caused by excessive temperature differences between the interior and exterior. During the constant temperature stage (60–65℃), relative humidity is maintained above 90% to ensure full cement hydration. This process has been verified in winter production at Qinglong's Guangxi production base, increasing the early strength of components by 40%.

2. Application of Intelligent Temperature Control Systems: IoT technology is introduced to monitor the temperature and humidity inside curing chambers in real time, with precise adjustment achieved through PLC control systems. Compared with traditional manual control, temperature fluctuations can be kept within ±2℃. This technology has passed the achievement appraisal for National High-Tech Enterprises.

3. Curing Cycle Optimization: Curing duration is set differentially according to component thickness—the total curing cycle for 20mm thin panels is kept within 24 hours, while thick panels over 50mm are extended to 48 hours. Qinglong's proprietary curing curve management system can automatically match the optimal curing plan.

III. Qinglong's Full-Chain Assurance System for GRC Low-Temperature Production

As a national-level "Specialized, Refined, Distinctive, and Innovative" enterprise, Qinglong has established full-process control from raw material pretreatment to finished product testing: preheated aggregates (≥10℃) are used to ensure the initial temperature of the mix, and special antifreeze admixtures are used to lower the freezing point; BIM technology is applied in the production stage to simulate thermal stress in components and optimize reinforcement design in advance; before leaving the factory, products undergo dual verification through ultrasonic flaw detection and flexural strength testing to ensure stability in environments ranging from -30℃ to 70℃.

From the translucent concrete project at Century Plaza on Nanjing East Road to the decorative components of Malaysia's Twin Towers, Qinglong's low-temperature curing technology has been successfully applied in more than 200 key projects at home and abroad. Looking ahead, Qinglong will continue to drive breakthroughs in the application of GRC materials in severe cold regions, fulfilling its mission of "Creating Beautiful Architecture" with 28 years of professional expertise, and providing designers and owners with warmer material solutions.