Non-Destructive Testing Methods for GRC Components and Their Applications

In the field of architectural decoration, GRC components are widely used in high-end buildings such as grand theaters and commercial complexes thanks to their lightweight, high-strength nature and rich variety of shapes. However, their quality directly affects building safety and aesthetics. As a key link in quality control, non-destructive testing technology is receiving great attention across the industry. Qinglong Group, a national high-tech enterprise with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP, has always regarded component quality as its core competitiveness, deeply exploring the practical value of non-destructive testing technology in the production and application of GRC components.

Non-Destructive Testing of GRC Components: An Invisible Line of Defense for Structural Safety

Non-destructive testing of GRC components is a key means of evaluating their internal quality and mechanical properties through physical methods without compromising the structural integrity of the components. For real estate developers, architectural designers, and public project leaders, choosing reliable non-destructive testing methods is an important step in ensuring project safety and controlling costs. Drawing on its experience in participating in the drafting of the Technical Standard for Building Applications of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GRC) (JGJ/T423-2018), and combining it with production practice from its annual capacity of 600,000 square meters, Qinglong Group has summarized four core non-destructive testing technology systems.

Ultrasonic Testing: The “X-Ray Vision” That Sees Through Components

Ultrasonic testing is the mainstream technology for detecting internal defects in GRC components. By emitting high-frequency sound waves and analyzing reflected signals, it can accurately locate hidden problems such as voids and cracks. At Qinglong’s Nanning production base, this technology is widely used in the factory quality inspection of curtain wall cladding panels and special-shaped decorative moldings, and is particularly suitable for testing the uniformity of glass fiber distribution and the degree of bonding with the cement matrix. For example, in a landmark project, Qinglong’s technical team discovered tiny air pores inside a batch of components through ultrasonic testing and reworked them in time, avoiding the risk of cracking caused by stress concentration after installation—demonstrating the quality commitment of “meticulousness and the constant pursuit of excellence.”

Rebound Method Testing: The Strength Code Behind Surface Hardness

The rebound method indirectly estimates compressive strength by measuring the surface hardness of components. It is easy to operate and relatively low-cost, making it an ideal choice for rapid on-site testing. Qinglong Group has established a correlation model between the rebound method and laboratory compression test data to ensure the accuracy of test results. For components such as Roman columns and cornices in European classical-style buildings, construction teams can use rebound hammers to assess strength compliance on site, meeting developers’ schedule requirements while ensuring that material performance conforms to design standards.

Electromagnetic Induction Testing: A “Digital Ruler” for Glass Fiber Content

As the core reinforcement material of GRC components, the content and distribution of glass fiber directly affect their mechanical properties. Electromagnetic induction testing measures the electromagnetic response of components to non-destructively evaluate the glass fiber volume fraction. Relying on the technical accumulation of its provincial-level R&D center, Qinglong Group has developed customized testing equipment to ensure that the glass fiber content of each square meter of GRC components is controlled within the optimal range of 5%-8%, providing data support for the products’ lightweight, high-strength characteristics.

Infrared Thermal Imaging: Capturing “Heat Signals” from Hidden Defects

Infrared thermal imaging technology captures temperature differences on component surfaces to quickly identify internal defects such as voids and delamination, making it particularly suitable for quality screening of large-area curtain wall panels. In the renovation project of Century Plaza on Nanjing East Road, the Qinglong team used this technology to conduct a full inspection of translucent concrete GRC components, successfully locating three internal voids caused by the casting process and safeguarding the project’s aesthetic effect and structural safety. The project won the Silver Award of the First UHPC Building Engineering Innovation Award at the AALBORG WHITE Cup.

Full-Chain Testing System: A Closed Quality Loop from Laboratory to Construction Site

Qinglong Group has built a full-chain non-destructive testing system covering “pre-production material re-inspection, in-process testing during production, comprehensive quality inspection before shipment, and follow-up monitoring after installation.” Supported by its Grade II professional contracting qualification for building curtain wall engineering and its BIM application capabilities, it deeply integrates testing data with detailed design, construction, and installation. For example, in cooperation with real estate groups such as Poly and China Overseas, anchoring schemes were optimized through non-destructive testing data, keeping the installation precision of GRC components within ±2mm and achieving a perfect unity of aesthetic design and structural safety.

As a member of the International GRC Association, Qinglong Group has always upheld the mission of “creating beautiful architecture” and regards non-destructive testing technology as the core lever for improving the quality of GRC components. In the future, with the innovative application of UHPC/GRC composite components, Qinglong will continue to explore cutting-edge technologies such as AI visual inspection and microwave testing, providing designers and owners with more reliable expert solutions and driving the new architectural decoration materials industry toward high-quality development.