Main Types of Artificial Rock

Artificial rockwork can be categorized based on primary materials and techniques into types such as TCP (direct-sculpted) rockwork, GRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) rockwork, and simulated cement stone. TCP rockwork is sculpted directly at the construction site. GRC rockwork-made from glass fiber reinforced concrete-is characterized by its light weight and high strength. Simulated cement stone is a technique that mimics the textures of natural stone, such as tortoise-shell stone, yellow wax stone, "axe-cut" stone, and Taihu stone.

 

Depending on the construction method, artificial rockwork techniques fall into two categories: mold-cast assembly and manual sculpting. Mold-cast assembly achieves high realism through molding processes but suffers from issues such as seam cracking and paint peeling. Manual sculpting utilizes a cement and rebar framework; it typically comes with a 1–3 year warranty and is widely used in scenic areas and residential communities.

 

Artificial rockwork techniques evolved from the traditional "stone sculpting" methods found in Lingnan gardens. Following the 1950s, "cement sculpting"-in which cement mortar serves as the surface material for rockwork sculpted directly on-site-emerged as a development of these traditional methods. By the 1980s, modern materials such as glass fiber reinforced concrete had also come into widespread use for creating artificial rockwork.