How to Handle the Thickness of GRC Components at Corner Positions: Design Specifications and Construction Points Explained

In the field of architectural decoration, GRC components are widely used for the exterior facade decoration of various buildings due to their lightweight, high-strength, and richly varied shapes. Among them, corner GRC components, as key nodes connecting different building facades, have thickness treatment that directly affects structural safety, decorative effect, and construction quality. Drawing on Qinglong's 28 years of experience in GRC detailed design and construction, this article analyzes the core technologies of thickness treatment for corner GRC components from two aspects: design specifications and construction key points.

### 1. Specification Requirements for Thickness Design of Corner GRC Components

The thickness design of corner GRC components must balance structural load-bearing and modeling requirements, and strictly comply with the "Technical Standard for Building Application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GRC)" (JGJ/T423-2018). The standard clearly stipulates that non-load-bearing GRC components should have a thickness of no less than 8mm, while corner positions, which need to withstand bidirectional loads and thermal stress, are recommended to have a thickness 20%-30% greater than flat components, typically 10-15mm. For projects with a height exceeding 10m or located in areas with high wind pressure, the thickness must be determined through structural calculations, with double-layer reinforcement or local thickening designs adopted when necessary. For example, in a commercial complex project, Qinglong determined the corner thickness as 12mm based on wind load calculations and configured a φ3mm glass fiber mesh to ensure flexural strength ≥15MPa.

### 2. Key Factors Affecting Corner GRC Thickness

1. **Shape Complexity**: Curved or special-shaped corners require consideration of mold forming difficulty; the thickness should transition evenly to avoid cracking caused by locally thin sections. For example, for hyperbolic corner components, Qinglong adopts parametric design to optimize thickness distribution, with a thickness of no less than 10mm at the minimum radius of curvature.

2. **Installation Method**: Dry-hung corner components require reserved space for anchoring nodes; the thickness must include connector dimensions, typically 3-5mm more than wet-adhered installations. Qinglong's self-developed "concealed anchoring system" reduces the impact on thickness, enabling 10mm ultra-thin corner installation.

3. **Environmental Factors**: Severe cold regions require consideration of freeze-thaw cycle effects, with a recommended thickness increase of 1-2mm; coastal regions need enhanced salt spray resistance, which can be achieved by adjusting the mix ratio rather than simply increasing thickness. For example, in overseas projects, Qinglong adopts a low-alkali cement + crack-resistant fiber formula, with thickness controlled at 12mm to meet durability requirements.

### 3. Key Points for Construction Thickness Control of Corner GRC Components

1. **Mold Precision**: CNC-engraved molds are used to ensure thickness deviation at corners of ≤±0.5mm. Qinglong's production base is equipped with a fully automatic mold scanning system to monitor thickness uniformity in real time.

2. **Spraying Process**: The "cross-spraying method" is adopted at corners to ensure uniform distribution of glass fibers. Qinglong's original "three-layer spraying technology" adds a layer of chopped fiber reinforcement on the inner side of corners to enhance impact resistance.

3. **Curing Regime**: Corner components require separate curing, with humidity maintained at ≥90% for the first 7 days to avoid uneven shrinkage caused by thickness differences. Qinglong combines steam curing with natural curing, achieving a 100% pass rate for 28-day strength.

### 4. Engineering Practice in Corner GRC Thickness Optimization

Taking a landmark building project as an example, its corner was designed as a 120° acute angle with an original thickness of 15mm, which posed an excessive weight problem. Through BIM-based force simulation, Qinglong optimized it to a composite structure of 12mm thickness + built-in steel skeleton, meeting strength requirements while reducing self-weight by 30%. This solution has been included as a reference case in the preparation of the industry standard "General Technical Conditions for Non-Load-Bearing Components of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)".

The thickness treatment of corner GRC components is a combination of technology and art, requiring a balance between safety and aesthetics within the framework of specifications. As an industry-leading enterprise with 28 years of deep engagement in the GRC field, Qinglong has always upheld the mission of "creating beautiful architecture", providing customers with full-chain solutions from material selection to installation and maintenance through detailed design, lean production, and professional construction. In the future, Qinglong will continue to promote GRC technology innovation, helping more buildings achieve the perfect unity of "safety and aesthetics".