Research on the Principles and Applications of Digital Mold Technology for Double-Curved GRC Forms

When architectural aesthetics and engineering technology collide in the digital age, double-curved GRC forms are redefining the possibilities of building envelopes with their flowing lines and complex surfaces. As an industry pioneer with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP, Qinglong Group deeply understands that digital mold technology is not only the key to achieving double-curved forms, but also the core engine driving architectural decorative materials from "standardized production" toward "artistic customization".

Digital Breakthrough in Double-Curved GRC Forms: A Precise Leap from Drawings to Reality

Traditional production of double-curved GRC components often faces pain points such as long mold-making cycles, difficulty in precision control, and high costs. Digital mold technology, through the deep integration of parametric design (Rhino+Grasshopper), BIM collaboration, and CNC engraving technology, builds a complete solution. Taking a double-curved curtain wall project of a grand theater as an example, Qinglong's technical team first acquired the building's curved surface data through 3D scanning, completed form optimization and structural verification in the digital space, and then used a large five-axis machining center to control mold errors within ±0.5mm, improving efficiency by 300% compared to traditional manual mold making and reducing material waste by 60%. This "digital twin" approach enables GRC materials to maintain the lightweight, high-strength characteristics of glass fiber reinforced cement (flexural strength exceeding 20MPa) while achieving a lossless transformation from 2D drawings to 3D solids.

Core Technical Principles: Solving Double-Curved Form Challenges from Four Dimensions

The core of double-curved GRC digital mold technology lies in a closed-loop system of "precise modeling - intelligent analysis - modular production - precision installation". In the modeling stage, parametric design software is used to build mathematical models of curved surfaces, with algorithms generating editable mold segmentation plans; in the structural analysis stage, finite element simulation is employed to model concrete flow and fiber distribution, ensuring component stability under dead loads; in the production stage, CNC engraving technology is used to machine high-density foam master molds, combined with resin mold-casting processes for rapid mold replication; in the installation stage, 3D laser scanning and BIM technology are combined for real-time positioning and calibration, ensuring that jointing errors of double-curved units are ≤2mm. As a contributing unit to the Technical Standard for Application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GRC) in Buildings (JGJ/T423-2018), Qinglong Group has systematically integrated these key technical points, forming a full-process solution covering everything from design to maintenance.

Engineering Practice and Industry Value: Leading from Landmark Buildings to Technical Standards

In the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center project, the Qinglong team applied digital mold technology to complete the detailed design and construction of a 5600㎡ double-curved GRC curtain wall, and its original "double-curved unit modular installation technique" won the Silver Award of the AALBORG WHITE Cup GRC Construction Engineering Innovation Award. By breaking down the double-curved form into 128 standard modules and combining factory prefabrication with on-site assembly installation, the project shortened the construction period by 45 days and reduced project costs by 18% compared to traditional methods. Similar cases include the Nanjing East Road Century Plaza translucent concrete project, which achieved the integration of light transmission and structure in a double-curved envelope through UHPC and GRC material composite technology, confirming the catalytic role of digital mold technology in material innovation.

Starting from the mission of "creating aesthetically beautiful buildings", Qinglong Group is driving the evolution of GRC materials from "decorative components" to "building envelope systems" through digital mold technology. For designers pursuing ultimate aesthetics, this means that unrestrained creativity will no longer be limited by craftsmanship; for developers focused on efficiency and cost, there is now a better solution for balancing standardization and customization. Against the backdrop of the nation's strong advocacy for new building industrialization, double-curved GRC digital mold technology is not only a manifestation of corporate technical strength, but will also become an important force driving the transformation of the architectural decoration industry toward intelligent manufacturing.