Analysis of Causes and Solutions for Honeycomb and Pitted Surfaces on Installed GRC Components

The refined presentation of architectural decoration is inseparable from the perfect combination of materials and craftsmanship. As an important element in modern architecture combining aesthetics and functionality, GRC components have an installation quality that directly affects overall building quality. However, honeycombing and surface pitting, common surface defects after GRC component installation, not only affect visual appearance but may also conceal structural hazards. As an industry leader with 28 years of deep expertise in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group draws on full-chain technical experience—from material properties and production processes to construction management—to provide an in-depth analysis of the causes of honeycombing and pitting on GRC components along with systematic solutions, offering professional technical reference for designers, owners, and contractors.

Analysis of the Core Causes of Honeycombing and Pitting on GRC Components

The formation of honeycombing and pitting results from the interplay between material properties and construction techniques, and must be traced back to the source. During material preparation, an imbalanced cement-to-glass-fiber ratio or improper sand gradation can easily lead to insufficient concrete flowability, making it difficult for air bubbles to escape during vibration. During production, insufficient mold surface smoothness or uneven application of release agent can cause the component surface to stick to the mold, resulting in pitting. During installation, inadequate base treatment, incomplete grouting, or insufficient vibration force can cause honeycomb-like voids. When participating in the formulation of the Technical Standard for Building Application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GRC) (JGJ/T423-2018), Qinglong Group found that more than 60% of surface defects stem from neglect of material properties during construction, especially in the installation of irregularly shaped components, where traditional manual vibration tends to leave blind spots.

Full-Chain Solutions: Quality Control from Production to Installation

To address these causes, Qinglong Group has built a trinity solution of "material optimization - precision production control - standardized construction." On the material side, the company uses a self-developed composite formula of low-alkali cement and alkali-resistant glass fiber, adjusting the water-cement ratio and admixture proportions to raise concrete flowability above 250mm, ensuring good slurry filling. In production, BIM technology is introduced for precision mold design, combined with an automated vibration platform (frequency 50-60Hz) and a vacuum degassing process, raising the air bubble removal rate to 98%. This technology was successfully applied in the Century Plaza renovation project on Nanjing East Road, achieving zero honeycomb defects in light-transmitting concrete components. During installation, the company implements a "3D base scanning - modular hoisting - pressure grouting" process, using laser positioning to ensure component fitting accuracy of ≤2mm, while simultaneously applying Qinglong's patented non-shrink grouting material (compressive strength ≥60MPa) to eliminate voids.

Industry Experience Empowerment: Practical Validation of 28 Years of Technical Accumulation

As a national high-tech enterprise and a participant in formulating GRC industry standards, Qinglong Group has transformed 28 years of engineering experience into standardized solutions. In the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center project, measures such as dynamic monitoring of ready-mixed concrete slump (controlled at 180±20mm) and mold temperature gradient management (temperature difference ≤5℃) achieved a 100% first-time acceptance rate for GRC decorative lines. In overseas projects such as a landmark building in Malaysia, the company innovatively adopted a "layered vibration + infrared drying" process to effectively address surface defects in hot and humid climates. These cases confirm the critical role of full-chain control in improving GRC component quality and demonstrate Qinglong's technical strength as a custom manufacturer of UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP products.

Preventing honeycombing and pitting is essentially a dual test of materials science and engineering management. With the mission of "creating beautiful architecture," Qinglong Group transforms its technical advantages into project value through material innovation, process upgrades, and standardized construction. In the future, with the implementation of new standards such as the General Technical Conditions for Non-Load-Bearing Components of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), quality control of GRC components will advance toward higher precision. Qinglong will continue to uphold the philosophy of "meticulousness and striving for excellence," providing more reliable material solutions for the architectural decoration industry.