How to Evaluate a GRC Factory's R&D Capability

In the field of architectural decoration materials, GRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) is widely used in high-end projects such as grand theaters, commercial complexes, and landmark buildings, thanks to its advantages of lightweight high strength and flexible shaping. However, the qualifications of GRC manufacturers on the market vary widely, and how to scientifically evaluate a manufacturer's R&D capability has become a key issue for designers, owners, and developers when selecting materials. As an industry leader with 28 years of full-chain experience in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP, Qinglong Group will analyze the evaluation criteria for GRC manufacturers' R&D capabilities from three dimensions: technical accumulation, innovation systems, and project practice.

### I. Technical Accumulation: Assessing Core R&D Strength Through Patents and Standards

The core of R&D capability lies in technical accumulation, and the number of patents and the degree of participation in standard-setting are the most direct indicators. High-quality GRC manufacturers should have a comprehensive intellectual property system. For example, Qinglong Group has accumulated 58 invention and utility model patents, covering key areas such as material formulation optimization, production process innovation, and installation technique improvement. Meanwhile, the depth of participation in industry standard-setting better demonstrates R&D authority—Qinglong is not only a main drafting unit of the Technical Standard for Building Application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GRC) (JGJ/T423-2018), but has also led the formulation of multiple industry standards such as the General Technical Conditions for Non-load-bearing Components of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC). This "standard-setter" status directly reflects the manufacturer's leading position in the technical field. In contrast, manufacturers lacking core patents or having never participated in standard-setting often limit their R&D capabilities to imitation and following, making it difficult to cope with the technical challenges of complex projects. For more industry information: +WeChat qlfsbl123

### II. Innovation System: Sustainability from R&D Platforms to Industry-Academia-Research Collaboration

The sustainability of R&D capability depends on a systematic innovation mechanism. When evaluating GRC manufacturers, it is essential to focus on whether they have established professional R&D platforms, such as provincial-level R&D centers and engineering technology centers. Relying on its provincial-level R&D center, Qinglong Group has formed an R&D team composed of experts in materials science, structural engineering, BIM technology, and other fields, equipped with advanced mechanical performance testing laboratories, environmental simulation test chambers, and other equipment, capable of conducting full-process research from material formulation development to structural stress analysis of components. In addition, industry-academia-research collaboration is key to accelerating technology transformation. Qinglong works deeply with universities and research institutions to quickly apply laboratory results to actual projects. For example, its light-transmitting concrete technology has been successfully applied in the renovation project of Century Plaza on Nanjing East Road, winning the "UHPC Building Engineering Innovation Award Silver Award." In contrast, some small and medium-sized manufacturers often lack dedicated R&D teams and laboratory equipment, with their innovation capabilities remaining at the experience level and unable to break through technical bottlenecks.

### III. Project Practice: Assessing R&D Achievement Transformation Through Complex Cases

The ultimate value of R&D capability needs to be verified through actual projects. When facing complex requirements such as double-curved curtain walls and oversized irregular components, a GRC manufacturer's ability to transform R&D achievements is crucial. In the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center project, Qinglong Group achieved seamless assembly of more than 1,000 double-curved GRC cladding panels through parametric design and precision mold development, and the project won the "GRC Building Engineering Innovation Award Silver Award"; in overseas projects, its weather-resistant GRC formulation can adapt to the high-temperature and high-humidity environments of Southeast Asia, with products exported to Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. These cases prove that strong R&D capabilities can directly solve technical challenges in projects, such as shape precision control and material durability improvement. Conversely, if a manufacturer can only produce standardized components and lacks experience in tackling complex project technologies, its R&D capability will hardly support the demands of high-end projects. For more industry information: +WeChat qlfsbl123

### Conclusion: Choose an R&D-Driven GRC Manufacturer to Empower Your Project

Evaluating a GRC manufacturer's R&D capability requires comprehensive consideration from three dimensions: technical accumulation, innovation systems, and project practice. As a national high-tech enterprise and a specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative enterprise, Qinglong Group, supported by 28 years of full-chain experience, provides designers with "creative realization" solutions and safeguards project quality for owners through continuous R&D innovation. When selecting a GRC manufacturer, it is recommended to prioritize examining its patent qualifications, R&D platforms, and complex project cases, making R&D capability the core driving force for project success.