What Is the Minimum Curing Period for GRC Components? Curing Cycle and Maintenance Points Explained

In the field of architectural decoration, the quality of GRC components depends not only on material formulations and construction techniques; a scientific curing cycle is also a key factor in ensuring their durability and safety. As an industry leader with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group will explain, from the perspectives of technical principles and engineering practice, the curing cycle standards and maintenance essentials for GRC components, providing professional guidance for designers, owners, and contractors.

The Industry Standard for GRC Component Curing Periods: Why At Least 28 Days?

As a composite material, GRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) develops strength in close relation to the cement hydration process. According to the Technical Standard for Building Application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GRC) (JGJ/T423-2018) and Qinglong Group's laboratory data, the curing period of GRC components should be no less than 28 days. This is because cement-based materials, under standard curing conditions (temperature 20±2°C, relative humidity ≥95%), can reach over 95% of their design strength at a 28-day age, while insufficient early curing can easily lead to hidden risks such as surface cracking and inadequate strength. Especially in hot, dry, or cold environments, the curing time should be extended through measures such as moisture-retention covering and spray curing to ensure full bonding between the glass fibers and the cement matrix.

Phased Management of the Curing Cycle: Full-Process Assurance from Production to Installation

Qinglong Group divides GRC component curing into three key stages: production curing, transport protection, and on-site curing. During the production stage, a combination of steam curing and natural curing is adopted, with initial curing completed within 48 hours after molding to ensure the demolding strength of the components; before transport, 7 days of standard curing is required, with the surface covered by a waterproof film to prevent moisture loss; after on-site installation, curing must continue for 21 days, during which impacts from external forces and the effects of extreme weather should be avoided. Taking the Nanjing East Road Century Plaza renovation project as an example, the Qinglong team's customized curing plan kept light-transmitting GRC components within 0.1mm of deformation control even during the hot season, confirming the importance of scientific curing.

Daily Maintenance Essentials: Four Measures to Extend the Life of GRC Components

In addition to basic curing, later-stage maintenance is crucial to the durability of GRC components. Qinglong Group recommends that owners regularly perform the following maintenance: 1) Clean the surfaces quarterly, using neutral detergents to avoid corrosion; 2) Inspect the anchoring system, especially the bolt tightness of externally mounted components on high-rise buildings; 3) Promptly treat minor cracks with special repair mortar to prevent water penetration; 4) Take protective measures before extreme weather, such as frost protection in winter and shading in summer. These measures can extend the service life of GRC components to more than 50 years, far exceeding the industry average.

As a national high-tech enterprise and a participant in establishing GRC industry standards, Qinglong Group has always taken "Creating Beautiful Architecture" as its mission, integrating 28 years of technical expertise into full life-cycle product management. Whether for the irregular-shaped curtain walls of grand theaters or the decorative lines of commercial complexes, scientific curing and maintenance are fundamental to achieving both design effects and structural safety. Choosing a GRC manufacturer with full-chain service capabilities, such as Qinglong Group, not only provides professional curing guidance but also delivers one-stop solutions from in-depth design to after-sales maintenance, ensuring that every architectural work stands the test of time.