In the heart of Shanxi Province, China, a groundbreaking construction project has set new standards for the use of aluminum alloy in large-scale structures. The first single-layer aluminum alloy lattice shell structure in the region has not only pushed the boundaries of engineering but also opened up new possibilities for the energy sector. At the helm of this innovative project is HAO Xianzhe, a leading engineer from SEDIN Engineering Co., Ltd. CNCEC, Taiyuan Shanxi.
The project, detailed in a recent study published in the Taiyuan University of Technology Journal (Taiyuan Ligong Daxue xuebao), focuses on solving key problems encountered during the construction of a 58.3-meter diameter single-layer aluminum alloy lattice shell. This structure, combined with a 12.9-meter cantilever canopy, required meticulous planning and execution to ensure stability and safety.
One of the most significant challenges was determining the optimal layout for the jacking points used to lift and position the structure. “The interaction between the cantilever and the lattice shell is complex,” explains HAO Xianzhe. “We had to conduct extensive finite element (FE) modeling and comparative analyses to find the best solution.” After evaluating four different jacking point layouts, the team settled on a scheme using only 12 jacking points in a single circle. This configuration, with the jacking points’ horizontal projection circle diameter set at 0.6 times that of the lattice shell, proved to be the most effective.
The research also delved into the selection of jacking supports and temporary construction measures, ensuring that the structure could be safely lifted and secured. One critical finding was the determination of the initial tightening torque for stainless-steel bolts, set at 27 N·m. This precision is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the structure during and after construction.
Temperature control was another critical factor. By analyzing meteorological data from the past nine years, the team identified 11.3°C as the optimal “closure” temperature for the lattice shell structure. This temperature ensures minimal deformation and internal stress, which is vital for the long-term stability of the structure.
The implications of this research extend far beyond Shanxi Province. As the energy sector increasingly turns to lightweight, durable materials for construction, aluminum alloys are poised to play a significant role. The insights gained from this project could revolutionize the design and construction of energy infrastructure, from solar panel arrays to wind turbine foundations.
HAO Xianzhe’s work highlights the importance of meticulous planning and innovative problem-solving in construction. “Every step of the process, from jacking point layout to temperature control, had to be carefully considered,” he notes. “But the results speak for themselves—a structure that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also robust and efficient.”
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the lessons learned from this project will be invaluable. The use of aluminum alloys in large-scale structures could lead to more sustainable, cost-effective solutions, reducing the environmental impact of construction while enhancing performance. The future of construction is bright, and it’s shining through the lattice shell of this pioneering project.
