How to Prevent GRC Component Cracking During Setting: Analysis of Key Techniques and Practical Measures

In the field of architectural decoration, GRC components have become the ideal choice for high-end buildings such as grand theaters and commercial complexes, thanks to their lightweight, high-strength nature and rich modeling capabilities. However, cracking during the setting process is like a hidden "quality trap" — it not only affects aesthetics and durability, but may also lead to a sharp increase in later maintenance costs. As an industry leader with 28 years of deep expertise in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group leverages its full-chain technical experience, from material mix ratios to process control, to deliver a systematic anti-cracking solution that builds a quality defense line for designers and owners.

1. Material Science: Decoding the "Genetic Code" of GRC Setting Cracks

The cracking risk of GRC components is often foreshadowed at the material formulation stage. Through the practical validation of 58 patented technologies, Qinglong Group's R&D Center precisely controls the dosage and dispersion of glass fibers in cement-based materials — alkali-resistant glass fibers 12-25mm in length are evenly distributed at a volume content of 3-5% to form a three-dimensional reinforcement network that inhibits crack propagation at the microstructural level. Meanwhile, mineral admixtures such as silica fume and fly ash are incorporated to optimize the cementitious system, with the water-cement ratio strictly controlled below 0.35. Combined with specialized water reducers and retarders, this achieves a dynamic balance between setting time and strength development, preventing shrinkage cracking caused by concentrated early hydration heat.

2. Process Control: "Millimeter-Level" Standards for Full-Process Crack Prevention

In the manufacturing stage, Qinglong Group has established a "dual-control system" that exceeds industry standards. During the mold design phase, BIM technology is used to simulate the self-weight and stress distribution of components, with reasonable demolding slopes and support points pre-set for large-span and irregular GRC components; during pouring, high-frequency vibration and vacuum degassing processes are applied to ensure slurry compactness above 99%, reducing stress concentration caused by internal pores. Especially in the curing stage, an innovative "stepped temperature control method" is adopted: after initial setting, components first undergo 24 hours of steam curing at 50°C to accelerate strength formation, then transition into 28 days of natural curing, allowing the moisture content of the components to be released slowly — reducing shrinkage cracks by more than 30% compared to traditional curing methods.

3. Structural Optimization: Reducing Cracking Risk at the Design Source

For GRC components in different application scenarios, Qinglong's detailed design team follows the principle of "combining rigidity with flexibility." For load-bearing components such as exterior wall cladding panels, structural measures such as increasing rib thickness and setting deformation joints are adopted to keep individual component dimensions within 1.5m×3m, avoiding temperature stress cracking caused by excessive size; for landscape features such as GRC benches and sculptures in gardens, internal steel reinforcement frameworks and fiber composite reinforcement are used to enhance overall crack resistance while preserving design freedom. In the Nanjing East Road Century Plaza renovation project, Qinglong's team optimized the reinforcement ratio of light-transmitting GRC components through parametric design, successfully achieving zero cracking in a 30m-span curved structure, and won the AALBORG WHITE Cup UHPC Construction Engineering Innovation Award.

4. Industry Experience: Anti-Cracking Insights from 28 Years of Full-Chain Practice

As a participating unit in drafting the "Technical Standard for Building Application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GRC)" (JGJ/T423-2018), Qinglong Group has summarized the "Three Checks and Three Verifications" anti-cracking working method: checking mix ratio stability upon raw material arrival, checking vibration compactness during production, and checking surface cracks and strength before delivery; verifying substrate flatness before installation, verifying anchor point firmness during installation, and verifying the temperature and humidity of the curing environment after delivery. This method has been applied in thousands of projects nationwide, including strategic cooperation projects with real estate groups such as Poly and Vanke. GRC projects in overseas markets such as Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have also achieved an industry-leading cracking rate below 0.5%.

Preventing the setting cracks of GRC components is, in essence, the collaborative innovation of material science, engineering technology, and quality management. With the mission of "creating beautiful architecture," Qinglong Group has transformed its 28 years of full-chain experience into replicable technical solutions. It not only provides customers with high-quality GRC products, but also avoids quality risks at the source through integrated services ranging from detailed design and construction installation to after-sales maintenance. In the field of new architectural decoration materials, choosing a supplier with technical depth and standard-setting capabilities is precisely the key to ensuring project quality.