Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center
Qiantang riverfront, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Quality steel materials that helped shape the 80,000-seat “Big Lotus” stadium on the Qiantang River.
View projectStadium Structure
Long-span roofs, grandstands and canopy frames.
Overview
A stadium has to cover a large clear span while keeping the roof as light as possible. The primary frames, roof trusses, grandstand rakers and canopy all carry different loads, so most projects combine rolled sections, hollow sections and plate instead of relying on one product.
Members are usually fabricated in the shop and assembled in large units on site. Dimensional consistency and clear batch traceability therefore matter as much as strength, because a small error in a truss chord can show up as a problem at the final lift.
Where each steel product is used
| Structure | Steel product | Typical grades / standards |
|---|---|---|
| Primary frames and columns | H-beam | Q355B / S355JR / A572 Gr.50 |
| Roof trusses and space frames | Square and rectangular tube | Q355 / S355J2H / A500 Gr.B–C |
| Truss chords and canopy members | Welded round pipe | Q235 / Q355, EN 10219 |
| Node plates and transfer members | Medium and heavy plate | Q355C / Q355D, GB/T 5313 Z15–Z35 |
Grades shown are typical examples. The project's design documents and applicable codes decide the final specification.
Common standards: GB/T 11263, EN 10025-2, ASTM A6 / A500
What the project needs
- High strength-to-weight ratio for long spans
- Consistent section dimensions for site assembly
- Galvanized or painted finish for exposed members
What to consider when selecting steel
Strength against self-weight
Higher-strength grades can reduce member size on long spans, but deflection and buckling often govern, so the grade should be checked against the design and not chosen on strength alone.
Through-thickness properties
Thick plate at heavily welded nodes can be at risk of lamellar tearing. Designers often specify Z15, Z25 or Z35 plate at these locations.
Corrosion protection
Exposed roofs and canopies are hard to reach for maintenance. Decide between hot-dip galvanizing and a paint system early, because it affects vent holes, member length and delivery sequence.
Recommended products
What to include in your inquiry
- Member schedule with section sizes, grades and lengths
- Design code and any impact-test or Z-direction requirements
- Surface finish: bare, shot-blasted, primed or galvanized
- Delivery batches matched to the erection sequence
Frequently asked questions
Which section is most used for stadium roofs?
It depends on the structural system. Pipe and rectangular tube are common for trusses and space frames, while H-beams are common for frames and grandstands.
Can long members be supplied cut to length?
Cut lengths can be requested with the order. Transport limits for the route and port should be checked before the length is fixed.
What documents are normally requested?
Mill Test Certificates traceable by heat number are the usual baseline. Third-party inspection can be added where the project requires it.
Related projects
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Hongqiao, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Steel supply for selected construction requirements at the four-leaf clover exhibition complex in Hongqiao, home of the China International Import Expo.
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