Discussion on Texture Realization Methods and Process Techniques for Biomimetic GRC Shapes

Texture is the language of architecture, and biomimetic GRC shaping gives cold concrete a natural sense of breathing. As an industry leader with 28 years of deep expertise in the UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials field, Qinglong Group will guide you through a full-chain technical analysis to explore the craftsmanship behind biomimetic textures from design to realization.

In contemporary architectural design, biomimetic aesthetics is becoming an important bond connecting nature and humanity. With its lightweight yet high-strength physical properties and exceptional texture expressiveness, biomimetic GRC shaping has emerged in high-end projects such as grand theaters, museums, and commercial complexes. This article will systematically explain the path to achieving biomimetic GRC textures from three dimensions—material selection, mold craftsmanship, and surface treatment—providing designers and owners with solutions that combine aesthetic value with engineering feasibility.

### I. Building the Material System for Biomimetic Textures: Scientific Formulation of GRC Base Materials

Achieving realistic biomimetic textures first requires building a suitable material system. Qinglong GRC uses high-grade sulphoaluminate cement as its base material, mixed with specially made quartz sand and alkali-resistant glass fibers (volume content ≥5%), with the formulation system optimized through orthogonal tests to achieve a flexural strength of 22MPa and an elastic modulus of 38GPa. For different biomimetic subjects such as tree bark and rock, the material's shaping capability and surface texture can be precisely controlled by adjusting silica fume content (5%-8%) and fiber length (6-12mm)—for example, imitating water ripple textures requires reducing the sand-cement ratio to improve material flowability, while creating a bush-hammered stone effect requires increasing the coarse aggregate proportion.

### II. High-Precision Mold Craftsmanship: The Core Guarantee for Texture Replication

Molds are the key carriers for transferring biomimetic textures. Qinglong innovatively adopts a combined process of "3D scanning + flexible molds": first, 1:1 3D data of natural prototypes is obtained through laser scanning; after optimizing texture details with Rhino software, a PU master mold is created using CNC engraving, and then a high-strength silicone mold (Shore hardness 50-60A) is cast from it. This process can achieve texture precision restoration as fine as 0.1mm, and was successfully applied to the wood-grain decorative finish of the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center project, with texture depth variations controlled within ±0.3mm, reaching industry-leading levels. For large double-curved components, modular mold splicing technology is used, with cumulative errors eliminated through BIM pre-assembly.

### III. Multi-Layered Surface Treatment: Elevating from Texture to Tactile Quality

The final presentation of biomimetic effects relies on refined surface treatment. Qinglong has developed a "triple treatment process": the basic treatment stage uses sandblasting (80-120 mesh emery) to form a uniform base layer; the texture reinforcement stage repairs subtle undulations that molds cannot replicate through manual carving; and the color treatment stage uses inorganic mineral pigment penetration coloring (color fastness ≥ grade 8), combined with antique aging techniques, giving the GRC surface both visual texture and tactile quality. In the Century Plaza translucent concrete project on Nanjing East Road, by embedding light-guiding fibers in the texture layer, a perfect fusion of biomimetic stone textures by day and light-and-shadow art by night was achieved.

As a national high-tech enterprise and a GRC industry standard-setting unit, Qinglong Group has always taken "creating beautiful architecture" as its mission, distilling 28 years of full-chain experience into technical advantages. From material R&D to project realization, from domestic landmarks to overseas projects, we continue to explore more possibilities of biomimetic GRC in the field of architectural decoration. In the future, with the integration of parametric design and intelligent construction technology, Qinglong will further advance biomimetic textures from "resemblance in form" to "resemblance in spirit," providing designers with broader space for creative realization and making architecture a true vehicle for dialogue between nature and humanity.