Application of Steel Tubular Truss Systems in Long-Span Venues

Steel tubular truss systems are a premier structural solution for long-span venues such as stadiums,arenas,airports,and exhibition halls.Their popularity stems from a superior combination of structural efficiency,architectural expressiveness,and economic viability,enabling the creation of vast,column-free interior spaces that are both functional and visually striking.

1.Inherent Advantages for Long-Span Structures

The fundamental reason for their widespread use lies in the inherent properties of the truss form and tubular members.A truss efficiently transfers loads through axial tension and compression in its members,minimizing bending moments and thus using material extremely efficiently.This allows for significantly longer spans compared to traditional beam structures.The use of circular or rectangular hollow sections(CHS/RHS)further enhances this efficiency.Tubular members offer optimal resistance to buckling in all directions due to their uniform geometry and high radius of gyration.This combination results in structures that are exceptionally strong and stiff for their self-weight,enabling the coverage of spans exceeding 100 meters and even reaching 300 meters or more in some cases.

2.Key Applications in Specific Venues

Stadiums and Sports Arenas:Tubular trusses are the backbone of most modern stadium roofs.Their high strength-to-weight ratio is crucial for creating the sweeping cantilevers that define modern stadium design,providing extensive coverage over spectator seating without obstructive columns.The system's flexibility allows designers to create visually dynamic roofs that become iconic landmarks for the city.

Airport Terminals and Railway Stations:In these transportation hubs,large,open spaces are essential for passenger flow,signage visibility,and creating an airy,non-restrictive environment.Tubular truss roofs provide the necessary long-span capability to accommodate wide concourses and waiting areas.Furthermore,the clean lines of the truss work well with the extensive glazing often used in these buildings,allowing for abundant natural light.

Exhibition and Convention Centers:The primary requirement for these venues is vast,flexible,column-free floor space to accommodate large trade shows,conventions,and events.Tubular truss systems are ideally suited to provide this unimpeded area.The structure itself can often be designed to support heavy point loads from hanging equipment,signage,and lighting rigs directly from the truss nodes.

3.Architectural and Aesthetic Integration

Beyond pure structure,tubular trusses offer significant architectural benefits.The geometric pattern of a truss,especially one made of sleek tubular members,is often considered aesthetically pleasing and is frequently left exposed as a key feature of the building's design.This"honest"expression of structure reduces the need for costly suspended ceilings and contributes to an industrial,modern aesthetic.The tubes can be easily painted or coated in any color,allowing them to be integrated into the overall architectural theme.

4.Construction and Practical Advantages

The practicality of constructing these large-scale structures is a major factor in their selection.Tubular trusses are typically fabricated in large segments within a controlled workshop environment,ensuring high quality and precision.These segments can then be transported to the site and efficiently assembled.Common erection methods include:

Piece-Small Erection:Assembling the truss on the ground and lifting it into place as a complete unit using one or more large cranes.

Cantilever Erection:Building the truss outward from a central support.

Lift-Up Technique:Assembling the entire roof structure at ground level and then mechanically lifting it simultaneously to its final position on top of the supporting columns.

This off-site fabrication minimizes weather-dependent work and disruption on-site,leading to faster and safer project timelines.

5.Material and Sustainability Considerations

Modern high-strength steels allow for lighter and more slender members,reducing the overall weight of the structure and the size of foundations,which translates to cost savings.Furthermore,steel is a highly recyclable material.At the end of the building's life,the entire truss system can be dismantled,and the steel can be recycled indefinitely,contributing to the sustainable lifecycle of the structure.

In summary,the steel tubular truss system is a dominant and versatile structural solution for long-span venues.It successfully meets the critical demands of spanning large distances,accommodating unique architectural forms,enabling efficient construction,and providing a sustainable and economically sound choice for creating some of the world's most impressive and functional public spaces.