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What are the challenges in structural design for irregularly shaped buildings?

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The structural design of non-standard geometric buildings represents the most critical and challenging aspect of their realization. The difficulties extend far beyond merely “how to make it stand,” permeating the entire process from concept development and calculations through construction and use. Below are the primary challenges in the structural design of non-standard geometric buildings, presented in order from core to derivative issues: 1. Core Mechanical Challenge: Non-Standard Load Paths In traditional buildings (such as rectangular boxes), load transfer paths are clear and direct: floor slab → beam → column → foundation → ground. Forces are primarily transmitted vertically downward. In contrast, load paths in irregularly shaped structures are often highly complex and convoluted. Challenge: Forces do not obediently travel straight downward. They “detour” through curved surfaces, diagonal bracing, and irregular grids, generating massive torsional forces, bending moments, and hor...

Bolted Spherical Grid Structures in the Design of Large-Span Roof Structures

 Large-span roof structures play a significant role in modern architecture, particularly in sports venues, exhibition centres, and industrial plants. Bolted spherical grid structures, as an efficient spatial grid structure, have gained widespread application in large-span roof projects due to their lightweight design, high load-bearing capacity, and ease of construction.

I.Structural design features of bolted ball grid structures

Bolted ball grid structures consist of ball nodes and members connected by bolts to form a three-dimensional spatial load-bearing system. Their structural design features the following characteristics:

 

Lightweight and high load-bearing capacity: The members of bolted ball grid structures are typically made of steel pipes or round bars with small cross-sectional dimensions, resulting in a lightweight overall structure. However, through reasonable member arrangement and node design, they can withstand significant loads.

Convenient construction: The members and nodes of bolted ball grid structures are prefabricated components, requiring only assembly and connection on-site, thereby reducing welding work and improving construction efficiency.

High adaptability: Bolted ball grid structures are suitable for roof designs of various spans and shapes, meeting the functional requirements of different buildings.

In large-span roof designs, bolted ball grid structures are typically used in conjunction with purlins, roof panels, and other components to form a complete roof system. During design, factors such as load distribution, node stiffness, and member stability must be comprehensively considered to ensure structural safety and economic efficiency.

II. Typical Application Cases Abroad

Michigan Stadium, United States

The roof of Michigan Stadium features a double-layer bolted sphere grid structure with a span of 200 metres. Through optimised member layout and node design, this structure not only meets the load-bearing requirements of a large-span roof but also provides the building with a unique visual effect.

 

Michigan Stadium, United States

Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre, Germany

The roof of the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre employs a single-layer bolted sphere truss structure with a span exceeding 150 metres. Through modular prefabrication and assembly techniques, the bolted sphere truss demonstrated exceptional efficiency during construction, significantly reducing the construction schedule.

 

Sapporo Snow Festival Main Venue, Japan

The roof of this building combines a bolted sphere grid structure with a membrane structure, spanning 100 metres. The bolted sphere grid structure provides a stable support system for the membrane structure, while optimised node design enhances the structure's seismic performance.

III. Future Development Trends

With the continuous advancement of construction technology, the application prospects of bolted ball grid structures in large-span roofs are becoming increasingly promising. In the future, their development trends will primarily manifest in the following areas:

 


Intelligent Design: Utilising BIM technology, finite element analysis, and other methods to achieve intelligent design and optimisation of bolted sphere truss systems, thereby enhancing structural economy and safety.

Modular Construction: Adopting modular prefabrication and assembly techniques to further improve the construction efficiency and quality of bolted sphere truss systems.

Green and Environmentally Friendly: Emphasising green and environmentally friendly practices in material selection and construction processes, using recyclable materials and energy-saving construction techniques to minimise environmental impact.

Bolted spherical grid structures, as an efficient spatial grid structure, have demonstrated unique advantages in large-span roof engineering projects abroad. Their flexible structural design, convenient construction, and strong load-bearing capacity can meet the dual demands of modern architecture for functionality and aesthetics. With the continuous advancement of technology, the application scope of bolted spherical grid structures will further expand, injecting new vitality into the development of the construction industry.

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