Current Issue

2024 Vol. 39, No. 10

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Current Status and Development Trend of Supporting Structures for Wind Turbines
Yuhang Wang, Xuhong Zhou, Lin Yang, Lixian Zhang, Wei Ren, Jiulin Bai, Kang Wang
2024, 39(10): 1-13. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24070220
Abstract:
The development of wind power is an important path to achieve the "dual carbon" goals. Compared to Europe, Chinese wind power industry started later but has developed rapidly. Currently, Chinese wind power industry has entered the stage of on-grid parity and is facing a trend towards larger turbines, which poses higher requirements for the stability, safety, and economy of the wind turbine support structures (including the tower and foundation). For onshore wind turbines, the current widely used tower designs include full-steel and steel-concrete composite structures. Research on full-steel structures focuses mainly on local buckling and structural optimization, while the challenges in steel-concrete composite structures lie in the design of joints and concrete fatigue. When the hub heights exceed 140 meters, the steel-concrete composite tower is typically employed for the current design. In addition, lattice and truss towers for wind turbines have significant advantages for ultra-high towers, with various prototypes already connected to the grid. Regarding the foundations for onshore wind turbines, cast-in-place concrete foundations are widely used in the wind industry for their simplicity and adaptability, while prefabricated concrete foundations are an important development direction for enhancing construction efficiency. For fixed offshore wind turbine foundations, single-pile foundations are the simplest in structure and the most widely used. Gravity-based foundations, suction caissons, and multi-pile foundations have significant construction difficulties and have not yet been widely adopted. Conduit rack foundations, due to their high rigidity and stability, are experiencing a faster growth in application. As the development shifts from nearshore shallow waters to deeper waters, floating offshore wind foundations are emerging as a new development direction, including semi-submersible, tension leg, monopile, and barge-mounted designs. By the end of 2023, the total installed capacity of floating wind power in the world will not exceed 500 MW, indicating significant room for growth. At present, the supporting structures for wind turbine units still face issues such as incomplete design theories, a lack of generic design software with independent intellectual property rights, and an undeveloped technical standards system. In the future, it is necessary to focus on related work in these areas.
Current Status and Prospects of Construction and Service Technologies for Prestressed Steel Structures
Bin Zeng
2024, 39(10): 14-20. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24080520
Abstract:
Prestressed steel structures are widely used in large public buildings, urban infrastructure, and specialized structures due to their clear and reasonable load-bearing paths, high stiffness, light weight, and ease of fabrication and installation. This paper reviewed over eighty years of domestic and international developments in prestressed steel structure construction technology, breakthroughs in material-related bottlenecks, as well as the publication of landmark projects and a series of standards and regulations. In response to the new demands of urbanization, it discussed the development and research status of prestressed steel structures, including service performance evaluation methods and multi-level performance enhancement technologies for structures in service. Finally, in line with the national strategic goals for technological innovation, the future trends of prestressed steel structures were explored, with a focus on new material applications, digital maintenance, intelligent construction, and smart control platforms. Through retrospective analysis, this paper aims to provide a reference for research and practice in the field of prestressed steel structures.
Review on Global Development of Weathering Steel Bridges
Chunfang Lu, Xiaoguang Liu
2024, 39(10): 21-31. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24070120
Abstract:
In order to promote the progress and development of weathering steel bridge technology in China, a comprehensive review was conducted on the technical status of weathering steel bridges in the United States, Japan, Europe, and China. The review covered five aspects: engineering application, performance requirements of weathering steel bridges, design considerations, connections and maintenance techniques. The analysis reveals that weathering steel bridges are extensively utilized in the United States and Europe with favorable outcomes. Japan has experienced a decline in the proportion of weathering steel bridges over time after reaching its peak around 2008. Through years of engineering applications and technological advancements, the United States, Japan and Europe have achieved relative maturity regarding weathering steels selection as well as design considerations, connections, and maintenance techniques. China’s application of weathering steel bridges has witnessed significant progress in recent years with numerous successful projects implemented across highway and railway infrastructure. Practical experience clearly demonstrates that the effectiveness of utilizing weathering steel bridges is closely linked to environmental conditions and climate factors. Therefore it is crucial to accumulate practical knowledge during implementation such as surface treatment techniques for stable rust layers; indices for climatic conditions; along with zoning guidelines specific to domestic applications of weathering steel bridge technology.
Application Developments and Prospects of Spatial Structures in China
Suduo Xue
2024, 39(10): 32-45. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24080521
Abstract:
The application development and innovation of spatial structures in China are reviewed. First, the development history of spatial structures in China is reviewed and summarized. Then, the application developments of space frame structures, cable structures and membrane structures are discussed respectively. In the application developments of space frame structures, the application of space frame structures in large-scale engineering projects and the application of aluminum alloy space frame structures are illustrated. The recent typical applications of space frame structures in large sports venues, in cultural entertainment and exhibition buildings, and in airport terminals, as well as typical projects of aluminum alloy space frame structures in recent years are summarized respectively. In the application developments of cable structures, the engineering practice and innovative application of cable net system, cable dome system, suspen-dome system and wheel-spoke cable structure system in large sports venues in recent years are introduced. In the application developments of membrane structures, the application of membrane structures in large stadiums and indoor sports halls, the application of ETFE membrane structures and the application of air-supported membrane structures are stated respectively. Combined with typical engineering applications, the structural system innovation, engineering practice innovation and new technology development are introduced in this paper. Finally, the future development directions of spatial structures are prospected.
The Current Status and Prospects of Steel Structure Design
Yu Lou, Yinquan Yu, Yanxia Zhang, Binlei Chen, Lijun Wang
2024, 39(10): 46-57. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24081820
Abstract:
A comprehensive analysis of current steel structure design. Currently, material properties have been improved due to advancements in metallurgy technology and the emergence of new materials, enhancing the mechanical, fatigue, and corrosion resistance of new types of steel. Processing technologies have also become more advanced. Design methods have progressed with the aid of CAD and finite element analysis, and intelligent design exploration has emerged and been combined with BIM technology, improving design efficiency and quality. Standards and specifications have continued to improve, covering fine steel classification, considering progress in computational mechanics, and placing emphasis on structural durability. The application field has expanded from traditional architecture to numerous areas such as bridges and offshore platforms. At the same time, steel structure design faces challenges such as complex stress analysis, fire and corrosion prevention, coordination with other structures, and sustainable development. In the future, steel structure design will achieve breakthroughs in material innovation, such as the development of multiphase steel; design methods will become more intelligent; green design concepts will be further integrated; multi-disciplinary cross-disciplinary integration will drive development; and digital construction technology will be used more widely.
Overview of China’s Steel Structure Codes and Standards System
Yinquan Yu, Zhe Wang, Chang Chai, Lijun Wang, Houjun Xu
2024, 39(10): 58-67. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24090520
Abstract:
The current state of Chinese steel structure codes and standards system is summarized, with a review of the development process and technical content changes in major domestic codes and standards. The development process of Chinese steel structure standard code system is outlined, which can be divided into four stages: in the 1950s, China adopted the former Soviet Union's steel structure code as its first design class code; in the 1960s and 1970s, revisions were made to this code based on Chinese national conditions and engineering experience, including introducing specifications for thin-walled steel structures; In response to high demand for steel construction during the 1980s and 1990s, additional specifications were introduced for high-rise civil buildings, grid structures, reticulated shell structures and portal steel frames. Also, this research provides a comprehensive overview of the development process of key codes in the field of steel structure. The preparation and revision process of the "Standard for design of steel structures" is introduced, along with a summary of the main content revised in the code. A comparative analysis is conducted between design theories, steel constitutive relationships, structural analysis methods, seismic designs, structural stability considerations, and connector designs in relation to European design codes. Furthermore, an examination is made on the revision process and main contents of the "Technical code of cold-formed thin-wall steel structures". Differences between Chinese and foreign codes regarding calculations for structural mechanical properties are compared against relevant Australian and American codes. Additionally, this research focuses on introducing the development process of Carbon structural steel series, Low alloy Structural steel series as well as Steel plate for Building structures series within relevant standards for steel structure materials. Moreover, it summarizes supplementary content from each version of these codes while revising concepts and definitions related to mechanical properties. The aforementioned research demonstrates that Chinese steel structure standards are gradually aligning with and even surpassing international advancements in certain aspects. However, there is room for further improvement in terms of the comprehensiveness, depth, and frequency of standard and specification revisions.
Design and Practice of Overseas Spatial Steel Structures:Taking the Form-Finding Technology of Stadium Canopy Structures as an Example
Xiao Lai, Yitong Zhang, Zhongyi Zhu, Yizhen Zu
2024, 39(10): 68-76. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24080520
Abstract:
Focusing on the design and practice of overseas spatial steel structures, this paper presented a review of the relevant form-finding technologies with stadium canopy structures as the research object. It begined by reviewing the development of stadiums for major events over the past two decades and introduces the structural systems of stadium canopies. To understand the development overview and bottlenecks of form-finding technologies, discussions were conducted on form-finding methods based on physical experiments and numerical models from three aspects: basic principles, development trends, and existing tools. A statistical analysis was also performed on the publication dates and keywords of 1 048 English journal articles and conference papers from the last decade, highlighting issues such as the integration of AI technology and structural form-finding. Finally, by examining application cases of form-finding technology in stadium canopy structures, the shortcomings of related technologies and future research prospects were identified and discussed.
Further Discussion on the Development of Steel Structure Theory and the Evolution of Steel Structure Textbooks
Jiping Hao, Shaofan Chen, Junfen Yang
2024, 39(10): 77-83. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24092801
Abstract:
This paper was mainly divided into two parts: the development of steel structure theory and the evolution of steel structure textbooks. The first part briefly introduced the calculation theory of steel structure, including steel structure related buckling theory, distortion buckling theory, long-span spatial structure theory, high-strength and high-performance steel structure theory and advanced analysis theory of steel structure. Then the four stages of the development of steel structure design method were briefly introduced. In the second part, firstly, combined with the development and changes of steel structure textbooks in the past 60 years, this paper analyzed the changes of design specifications and structural performance, and pointed out that the performance of steel structure should play a leading role in textbooks. Next, the textbook system was discussed, and it was pointed out that it is more suitable to clarify the basic performance of steel structures by dividing chapters according to limit states than by components. Finally, in order to adapt to the cultivation of innovative talents, steel structure textbooks should not only be a tool for imparting knowledge, but also a platform for developing intelligence and enlightening critical thinking ability.
Research Process in Seismic Design of Building Steel Structures
Lijun Wang, Haiqun Yu, Jinpeng Tan, Ming Wang, Yaopeng Liu, Xingyu Li, Bing Xia, Wenhua Yu, Mingzhi Cui
2024, 39(10): 84-89. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24070921
Abstract:
China’s seismic design started late, but after experiencing several major earthquakes, it has gradually established a comprehensive seismic design system through the absorption of foreign experiences and independent research, resulting in significant progress in the field of steel structures. Currently, China’s steel structure seismic design adopts the "three-level, two-stage" approach and has developed a performance-based seismic design philosophy. This paper reviews the historical evolution and latest advancements in seismic design for building steel structures both domestically and internationally. It comprehensively explains China’s development process in steel structure seismic design from scratch, from lagging behind to gradually aligning with world standards, through three perspectives: the historical development of China’s steel structure seismic technology, current mainstream technologies, and future prospects for this field. On the other hand, this paper provides a brief overview of major breakthroughs in relevant technologies from developed countries at different periods. Through comparison, it is evident that China’s steel structure seismic design technology has rapidly developed over the past few decades, but the paper also discusses the existing shortcomings. Finally, clear recommendations are provided for the future development of steel structure seismic-related technologies and standards in China.
Fire Protection and Corrosion Prevention Branch of China Steel Construction Society
Guoqiang Li, Yong Du
2024, 39(10): 90-96. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24071020
Abstract:
In recent years, a significant progress has been made on fire protection technology for building steel structures in China. This paper reviewed the major achievements in the field of fire resistance research and fire protection technologies for building steel structures since the early 1990s. It systematically analyzed the development of fire simulation technology, fire safety assessment methods, and fire protection technologies. First, it introduced the temperature distribution in large-space fire scenarios and its impact on the fire resistance performance of steel structures, along with fire numerical simulation methods and fire safety assessment techniques. Then, it elaborated on the methods for evaluating the fire resistance capacity of structures based on the load-bearing capacity method and the critical temperature method, highlighting the special requirements for fire safety design in long-span steel structures. Finally, through a series of typical fire safety design cases in steel structure projects, the paper illustrated the application of fire protection technologies in practical engineering. It further explained the crucial role of computational fire protection design methods in ensuring the fire safety of steel structures, enhancing operational economy, and improving building aesthetics. The study aims to provide guidance for research on the theory and design methods of fire resistance in steel structures in China.
Research and Progress on Application of High Performance Steel
Yongjiu Shi, Xianglin Yu, Huiyong Ban
2024, 39(10): 97-104. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24071720
Abstract:
High performance structural steel with superior material properties such as high strength, high ductility, high toughness, better weldability, improved weather resistance and fire resistance, has been widely applied in building and bridge steel structures. Efficient and rational application of high-performance structural steel can significantly save steel and protective coatings, reduce production, transportation, and installation costs, decrease welding workload and carbon emissions. Further reducing the full life cycle operation and maintenance costs of steel structures. This paper focuses on the development and progress of high-performance structural steels such as high-strength steel, ultra-high strength steel, fire-resistant steel, and weathering steel. This paper reviews the relevant regulations on the application of high-strength steel in the current technical standard system of building and bridge steel structures, and analyzes the advantages of ultra-high strength steel grade of 690 MPa and above through engineering application cases.
Recommendations are proposed for the research and development of structural systems using ultra-high strength steel, and drafting relevant structural design and construction standards.The advantages of high-performance steel can be further demonstrated in improving the fire and corrosion resistance of steel structures from the material level. The development trend of using weathering steel in bridge steel structures and fire-resistant steel in building steel structures is summarized. An innovative concept of steel structure using fire-resistant steel to form a "fire-resistant Steel + Concrete + Intumescent coating" (SCI) structural systems is proposed. The steel structural system without or with less fire-resistant coating can be realized, and the fire safety evaluation method of SCI structural system is suggested.
The use of green and low-carbon high-performance steel to construct building and bridge structural systems is the new direction and advancement of the steel structure. Meanwhile the welding and bolt materials, as well as design fabricating and installation standards have been developed to promote the application of high-performance steel structure systems and contribute to the achievement of the national "dual carbon" strategic goals.
Research and Application of Stainless Steel in Building Steel Structure
Ganping Shu, Yaohua Wu, Shenggang Fan, Baofeng Zheng
2024, 39(10): 105-110. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24070920
Abstract:
With excellent corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties compared to traditional low-carbon steels, stainless steel is a high-performance green building material and an important material solution to address the safety and durability of engineered structures in demanding environments. This paper provides brief information on the types, characteristics and typical applications of stainless steel materials and products in construction structures. The study shows that in the construction industry in recent years, the growing demand for stainless steel, more and more companies are committed to the development of economic, high-strength stainless steel for construction, the application of stainless steel in the construction structure is gradually expanding from the enclosure to the load-carrying structure. The current research status of stainless steel material properties, members, connecting nodes, structure, seismic and fire resistance is summarised by sorting out the current research status of stainless steel at China and overseas. At present, the research on traditional stainless steel materials and members tends to be perfect, the research on new stainless steel materials and components of the combination of the research is gradually emerging, and on the stainless steel structure of the connection properties and structural system level of the research has just begun, need to be in-depth study. Subsequently sorted out Chinese stainless steel materials and products processing, structural design and quality acceptance of the normative standard system, and finally discussed the future direction of research and development of stainless steel structure in China.
Experimental Investigation on Mechanical Properties of Fire-Resistant Steel Q235FRB at Elevated Temperature
Zeyu Zhang, Lijing Zeng, Hongxu Li, Luzhen Jiang, Yuedong Wang, Zhaoxin Hou, Weinan Li
2024, 39(10): 111-118. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24051601
Abstract:
To investigate the mechanical properties of fire-resistant steel under elevated-temperature conditions, a steady-state method was used to conduct tensile experiments on standard specimens of fire-resistant steel Q235FRB. Based on the experimental results, stress-strain curves of fire-resistant steel Q235FRB under different temperature conditions were obtained, from which reduction factors for various mechanical performance parameters of fire-resistant steel (including elastic modulus, yield strength, and tensile strength) at elevated temperatures were obtained. The research results indicate that the strength parameters of fire-resistant steel Q235FRB (including elastic modulus, yield strength, and tensile strength) exhibit a negative correlation with temperature, and corresponding calculation models are proposed. When the temperature reaches 400 ℃, the degradation rate of strength parameters accelerates, with strength parameters reaching approximately 10% of room-temperature performance when the temperature rises to 800 ℃. The deformation parameter (ultimate elongation) of fire-resistant steel Q235FRB decreases first and then increases with the increase of temperature. Through comparative analysis, it is demonstrated that the mechanical and high-temperature resistance properties of fire-resistant steel Q235FRB surpass those of equivalent-grade ordinary steel, show casing promising application prospects.
Development of Intelligent Manufacturing Technology for Steel Structures
Bingchuan Tang, Jiepeng Liu
2024, 39(10): 119-126. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS24052122
Abstract:
Intelligent construction is the main direction for the transformation and upgrading of the current construction industry. It primarily integrates building industrialization with new-generation information techniques, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and industry manufacturing, to improve the efficiency, benefits, and quality of the construction industry while reducing labor costs. An important feature of building industrialization is that building components are prefabricated in factories and then installed on-site using mechanical equipment. Therefore, the manufacturing of components in factories is a core aspect of building industrialization. To achieve intelligent construction, it is essential to realize the intelligent manufacturing of components. Intelligent manufacturing has been developed in the manufacturing industry for many years, and the technology is becoming increasingly mature, whereas intelligent construction is still in the exploratory stage within the construction industry. Therefore, considering the achievements and introducing intelligent technology of the manufacturing industry into the production of building components is a key direction for the development of intelligent construction. The manufacturing of steel structures is one of the construction sectors most suited for the development of intelligent manufacturing technology. The industry production of steel components is currently in a phase of deep integration of mechanization, automation, and digitalization. It is being combined with new-generation information techniques such as AI, the Internet of Things, and robotics, and is gradually evolving toward intelligent manufacturing. This paper introduces the traditional manufacturing technology of steel structures and its integration with new-generation information technology. The future development of intelligent manufacturing technology for steel structures is also explored, aiming to provide a reference for the advancement of intelligent manufacturing in the steel structure industry.