A Discussion on Texture Realization Methods and Process Techniques for Bionic GRC Forms

In contemporary architectural design, the textural expression of materials has become a core language for shaping the soul of space. With its unique textural expressiveness, bionic GRC forms are becoming a new favorite in high-end building envelope design. As an industry leader with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group will provide an in-depth analysis of how bionic GRC textures are achieved—from material properties and process innovation to engineering practice.

1. The Texture Code of Bionic GRC Materials: The Fusion of Natural Inspiration and Technological Breakthrough

The appeal of bionic GRC forms stems from the precise replication of natural textures and artistic re-creation. With a 3-5% glass fiber content, GRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) achieves texture precision control at the 0.5-1.5mm level while retaining the essential nature of concrete. Based on the practice of over 2,000 projects, Qinglong Group has concluded that achieving bionic textures requires balancing material properties with design needs—for natural textures such as tree bark and rock, precast mold casting techniques can achieve over 90% similarity; while abstract artistic textures require a combination of CNC engraving and hand finishing to create unique visual layering.

2. Four Core Processes for Texture Realization: Full-Process Control from Design to Implementation

1. Digital Modeling and Texture Parameterization: Rhino+Grasshopper is used to build 3D texture models, converting natural textures into quantifiable parametric data. The "texture depth gradient algorithm" originally developed by Qinglong's R&D team precisely controls texture relief variations within a range of 0.3-5cm, ensuring a balance between form and structural loading.

2. Mold Technology Innovation: Composite molds made of imported silicone rubber and GRP (fiberglass) achieve lossless transfer of texture details. For complex double-curved forms, a segmented adjustable mold system has been developed, allowing single components to reach a maximum size of 6m×3m with joint errors controlled within 2mm.

3. Material Mix Optimization: By adjusting the particle grading of cement-based materials (0.1-5mm quartz sand grading) and the direction of fiber distribution, the textural quality of the surface is controlled. For example, sandstone-like textures require a higher proportion of fine aggregate, while wood-grain effects require a special directional fiber arrangement process.

4. Surface Treatment Processes: The innovative application of "multi-layer coloring technology" achieves natural color transitions in textures through a three-layer treatment of primer + texture color + topcoat. Qinglong's self-developed weather-resistant coloring system ensures outdoor texture color retention of over 85% for 15 years.

3. Key Points of Texture Control in Engineering Practice: A Case Study of the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center

In the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center project, which won the AALBORG WHITE Cup GRC Innovation Award, the Qinglong team successfully achieved large-scale application of bionic shell textures. Pre-assembly using BIM technology resolved the texture alignment issues of 1,200 irregular components; 3D laser scanning technology was used for installation positioning, keeping on-site assembly errors below 3mm. This project demonstrates that texture realization in bionic GRC forms is not merely a process issue, but a systematic endeavor involving materials, design, and construction.

4. Future Trends: From Imitating Nature to Creating a New Textural Language

With the development of UHPC material technology, bionic GRC is advancing toward two poles: "hyper-realism" and "abstraction". Qinglong Group's nano-scale texture replication technology under development will enable the restoration of biological textures with 0.1mm precision; meanwhile, the company is exploring AI-assisted design, using machine learning to generate new texture forms that do not exist in nature. As a National High-Tech Enterprise, Qinglong participated in formulating the "Technical Standard for Architectural Application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GRC)" (JGJ/T423-2018), providing technical specification guarantees for the realization of bionic GRC textures.

The realization of textures in bionic GRC forms is a perfect combination of materials science and artistic expression. With 28 years of professional expertise, Qinglong Group will continue to drive technological innovation in this field, providing designers with full-chain solutions from concept to implementation, making building envelopes true artistic vehicles for telling nature's stories. As Qinglong's mission advocates: creating beautiful architecture through materials technology, so that every texture conveys the warmth and power of design.