Our Tailored Grid Steel Structure Solutions for Diverse Projects
Grid steel structures have emerged as indispensable steel structure solutions across various industries, owing to their versatility, strength, and efficiency in construction. The adaptability of these grid frame structures allows for tailored designs that meet specific project requirements, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.
Solutions for Industrial Buildings
For industrial buildings, grid steel structures are gaining popularity for their ability to span vast areas with minimal support columns.
- For instance, aircraft assembly workshops require enormous spans exceeding 60 meters to accommodate the assembly of large aircraft.
- Similarly, steel structure warehouses in the automobile assembly sector often utilize grid structures with spans ranging from 50 to 60 meters, ensuring ample space for storage and maneuverability of equipment.
Solutions for Sports Arenas, Stadiums And Exhibition Halls
Another prominent application of metal grid frame structures is in the construction of sports arenas, stadiums and exhibition halls. These structures are used to create large-scale gymnasium roofs and stadium awnings, offering expansive coverage without compromising on strength or durability. The grid framework not only supports the weight of the roof but also ensures efficient distribution of forces, making it an optimal choice for accommodating large crowds while providing unobstructed views.
Learn About the Different Types Of Steel Grid Structures
Steel grid structures are widely used in construction and engineering, and they can be categorized into several main types based on their form and application:
Grid Frame Structure
- Characteristics: Frame grid structures integrate grid systems within a framework of beams and columns. This combination allows for the distribution of loads across both the frame and the grid, optimizing structural performance.
- Applications: Frame grids are often used in industrial buildings, warehouses, and large open spaces. They provide the necessary strength to support heavy loads while maintaining flexibility in design and construction.
Space Grid Structure
- Characteristics: Space grid structures, or spatial grids, extend the grid concept into three dimensions. This type of structure consists of nodes connected by members in three-dimensional space, resulting in a highly stable and load-bearing configuration.
- Applications: Space grids are ideal for large-scale constructions such as sports stadiums, exhibition centers, and transportation hubs. Their three-dimensional nature allows them to cover vast areas without internal supports, creating open and versatile interior spaces.
Flat Grid Structure
- Characteristics: Flat grid structures, also known as planar grid structures, consist of a network of interconnected nodes forming a grid in a single plane. They are relatively simple to design and construct.
- Applications: These structures are commonly used in roofs, bridges, and other horizontal surfaces. They provide a stable platform that can support significant loads while maintaining a relatively lightweight form.
Why Choose Steel Grid Structures?
Steel grid structures have emerged as a major form in large-span space structures due to their numerous advantages over other steel structure forms. Their unique design and construction benefits make them an ideal choice for various architectural and industrial applications. Here are the key reasons why steel grid structures are preferred:
- Superior Structural Integrity and Stability: One of the primary benefits of steel grid structures is their excellent structural integrity and stability. The grid structure relies on the interaction between its members, which distributes loads efficiently and enhances overall spatial rigidity. This interconnectivity ensures that the structure remains stable under various loads and conditions, making it a reliable choice for large-span steel structure constructions.
- Efficient Load Transfer and Material Utilization: Steel grid structures transfer loads primarily through the axial force of the rods. This method of load transfer allows for optimal utilization of material strength, resulting in significant steel savings and a reduction in the structure’s overall weight. By maximizing the material’s capacity, grid structures offer an economical solution without compromising on strength and durability.
- Excellent Seismic Performance: Steel grid structures exhibit outstanding seismic performance due to their light weight and the inherent properties of steel. During an earthquake, the reduced weight of the grid structure generates less seismic force. Additionally, steel’s high extensibility allows it to absorb and dissipate a considerable amount of seismic energy. The large spatial rigidity and stable configuration of the grid further prevent collapse, ensuring the safety and resilience of the structure during seismic events.
- Space Efficiency: Another notable advantage of steel grid structures is their ability to maximize space utilization. The relatively small height of the grid structure allows for effective use of available space, making it a practical choice for various applications, including industrial facilities, sports arenas, and exhibition halls.
- Rapid Construction and Easy Installation: The construction speed of steel grid structures is significantly faster compared to other structural forms. The uniformity in the size and shape of the grid components enables mass production in factories, ensuring consistent quality and reducing construction time. On-site installation is straightforward and does not require large-scale machinery or equipment, further expediting the construction process.
- Versatile Design Capabilities: Space grid structures are highly versatile and can be designed to fit various architectural requirements. Whether it’s a flat plane or a complex space curved shape, grid structures can be customized to achieve the desired aesthetic and functional outcomes. Their light and handy nature allows for innovative and creative designs, making them a popular choice among architects and engineers.
Main Components of Steel Grid Structures
Steel grid structures are composed of several key components that work together to create a stable and efficient framework. Understanding the main components of steel grid structures is crucial for designing, constructing, and maintaining these systems.
- Nodes (Joints): These are the connection points where the linear elements (members) meet. Nodes are crucial for transferring forces between members and maintaining the overall stability of the structure.
- Members: These are the straight linear elements (usually beams or bars) that form the grid. Members are connected at the nodes and can be arranged in different geometric patterns such as triangular, square, or hexagonal grids. The members are typically made of steel and can vary in length and cross-sectional shape.
- Support Structure: The grid steel structure needs to be supported by a foundation or other structural elements to ensure stability. Supports can be columns, walls, or other structural components that transfer loads from the grid to the ground.
- Bracing: Bracing elements are sometimes added to enhance the rigidity and stability of the grid structure, especially in areas subject to lateral loads such as wind or seismic forces. Bracing can be diagonal members or other reinforcing elements.
- Connectors: These are used to join the members to the nodes. Connectors can be bolts, welds, or specially designed fittings that ensure a secure and efficient transfer of forces.
Aicrane After-Sales Service: Ensuring Your Satisfaction and Project Success
When you cooperate with Aicrane, you don’t have to worry about after-sales issues. The company has a professional after-sales service team dedicated to providing customers with timely and high-quality after-sales service.
Our Service Includes:
- Installation and Acceptance: Aicrane provides expert installation services to ensure your steel structure is set up correctly and efficiently. Our team will also handle the acceptance procedures, ensuring that everything meets the required standards and is ready for operation.
- Staff Training: Aicrane offers thorough training programs for your staff, covering all aspects of maintenance, and safety to ensure they are fully prepared to maintain and inspect the steel structure effectively.
- Technical Consulting Service: If you need technical advice or have questions about steel structures, Aicrane knowledgeable steel structure engineers are ready to assist. Our technical consulting service is designed to address any technical challenges you may encounter.
- Timely Supply of Spare Parts: Aicrane ensures a timely supply of spare parts. Our extensive inventory and efficient logistics network enable us to deliver the necessary parts promptly, helping you maintain continuous operation.
- Lifelong Service Support: Aicrane is committed to providing lifelong support for your equipment. Whether you encounter issues during installation or in subsequent use, our after-sales service center is always ready to assist. We respond quickly to your inquiries and work diligently to resolve any problems you may face.
At Aicrane, our goal is to ensure your complete satisfaction and project success with our steel grid structure and services. Trust us to be your reliable partner in every step of your industrial project.
FAQs About Steel Grid Structures
- Peripheral Support: In this configuration, the grid structure is supported along its perimeter, typically by columns or external walls. This method is suitable for buildings with clear perimeter support zones, ensuring efficient load transfer and stability.
- Four-Point Support: Four-point support involves supporting the grid structure at four distinct points, often at the corners or strategic locations. This setup distributes loads evenly and is commonly seen in structures requiring precise load distribution, such as bridges and large roofs.
- Multi-Point Support: Multi-point support systems distribute the load over multiple support points within the structure, offering flexibility in design and allowing for intricate spatial configurations. This method is preferred in complex architectural projects where internal supports can be strategically placed to optimize space and functionality.
- Three-Side Support, Opposite-Side Support, and Mixed Support: These configurations vary based on the number and location of support points relative to the grid structure’s geometry. They cater to specific architectural requirements, such as enhancing stability, accommodating irregular site conditions, or achieving aesthetic goals.
- Cross-Truss System: The cross-truss system utilizes diagonal members arranged in a crisscross pattern, forming triangular or rectangular trusses that enhance structural stability and load-bearing capacity. This system is widely used in bridges, roofs, and industrial steel structures.
- Triangular Pyramid System: In this system, the grid structure forms triangular pyramidal shapes, which efficiently distribute loads and provide a visually striking architectural element. It is commonly employed in modern architectural designs and iconic landmark structures.
- Quadrangular Pyramid System: Similar to the triangular pyramid system, the quadrangular pyramid system utilizes square or rectangular pyramid shapes within the grid structure. This system offers versatility in design and structural performance, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Hexagonal Cone System: The hexagonal cone system incorporates hexagonal cone-shaped units within the grid structure, optimizing structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal. It is often used in futuristic architectural designs and advanced engineering projects requiring innovative solutions.
Choosing the right steel grid structure for your project involves careful consideration of various factors. Here’s a selection guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Consideration for Rectangular Plane Shape (Peripheral Support or Three-Sided Support with One Side Open):
- Side Length Ratio (Long Side to Short Side) ≤1.5: Consider using an upright quadrangular pyramid grid structure, an oblique quadrangular pyramid grid structure, or a checkerboard-shaped quadrangular pyramid grid structure.
- Side Length Ratio > 1.5: Opt for a two-direction orthogonal orthographic grid or an orthographic quadrangular pyramid grid structure.
2. Consideration for Rectangular Plane Shape with Multi-Point Support:
- Choose an upright quadrangular pyramid grid or a two-direction orthogonal orthographic grid structure based on specific conditions.
3. Consideration for Circular or Regular Hexagonal Shape (Peripheral Support):
- Select a three-way grid, a triangular pyramid grid, or an evacuated triangular pyramid grid system according to the specific situation.
4. Height and Size Considerations:
- The height and size of the grid structure should be determined based on factors such as span, load conditions, column grid size, supporting conditions, grid form, structural requirements, and building functions.
- The height-span ratio of the grid can range from 1/18 to 1/10.
- Ensure the number of grids in the short span is not less than 5.
- When determining the grid size, the angle between adjacent rods should be between 30° and 45°.
Yes, steel grid structures can be divided into single-layer, double-layer and triple-layer types according to their construction and application.
- Single Layer Grid Space Frame: This type of grid structure consists of a single layer of interconnected rods and nodes, forming a grid pattern that distributes loads efficiently across the structure. Single layer grids are commonly used in applications where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are prioritized without compromising on structural integrity.
- Double Layer Grid Space Frame: In a double layer grid structure, two layers of grids are stacked vertically, connected by additional nodes and rods. This design enhances load-bearing capacity and allows for larger spans compared to single layer grids. It is often employed in steel structure buildings requiring extensive column-free spaces, such as sports arenas and exhibition halls.
- Triple Layer Grid Space Frame: Triple layer grid structures involve three layers of grids stacked vertically, offering maximum strength and stability. These structures are utilized in complex architectural designs where extreme spans and heavy loads need to be supported, such as airport terminals and industrial facilities.
The height of the grid structure is related to factors such as roof load, span, plane shape, supporting conditions and equipment piping.
- When the roof load and span are large, the height of the grid structure should be larger.
- When the plane shape is round, square or close to square, the height of the grid frame structure can be smaller. In the case of a long and narrow plane, the unidirectional force transmission is obvious, so the height should be larger.
- The height of the point-supported gridstructure is larger than that of the peripheral supported grid structure.
- When there are pipes in the grid frame, the height of the grid structure must meet the requirements.
The first is to inspect the materials of the grid structure. Although they are all steel structures, the steel can be divided into many types. The use of different steels will affect the quality of the entire grid structure, so steel is one of the key points of quality inspection.
The next step is to check whether the design of the entire grid structure is reasonable. The design drawings need to be reviewed and checked before they can enter the implementation stage.
The third is to conduct on-site supervision during the installation process. Check whether the installation sequence and techniques are in place, whether the site has been cleared, whether a safe environment is ensured, etc.
There are two installation methods for the large-span grid steel structure: one is the overall lifting after assembled on the ground; the other is high-altitude in-place assembly.
- When installing the grid structure, the setting of temporary fulcrums should be taken seriously.The fulcrum and elevation can be arranged before installation. The temporary fulcrum must make the grid frame evenly stressed and the rod members must bear the same force, and also pay attention to the stability of the temporary fulcrum’s foundation (scaffolding), and be sure to prevent the fulcrum from sinking .
- The support of the temporary fulcrum is best to use a jack, so that it can be adjusted gradually during the installation process.
- When disassembling temporary fulcrums, it should be noted that several groups of fulcrums should be lowered synchronously. During the descending process, the descending range should not be too large.
- After the grid structure is installed, attention should be paid to the force of the support. Some supports are allowed to be welded, some should be free ends, and some support needs to be limited, etc., so the construction of the grid structure support should be carried out in strict accordance with the design requirements.