Primary Composite Structures, Very Large Conference Hall Roof at Library Project, Bahrain - A Case Study

摘要

The paper presents a case study of a very large, long span roof structure developed for a Conference hall & Library Building at Bahrain. The roof comprised of five vaults as primary structural composite elements. Each vault has a length of 50m with 7m further cantilevered overhang. The front Face is of 16m width by 9.25m rise. The rear face is of 8m width by 6m rise. Each vault comprised of six panels, joined together by flange bolted connections. Panels were manufactured in reinforced concrete moulds. Special CAD designed CNC cut timber templates were used to set up the panel profile in the mould. Manufacturing was done under strict quality procedures. Roof structure of this size in conventional materials like steel or concrete would have imposed very high dead weight on the building structure and the footing. Actual weight of one FRP composite vault assembly is about 30 tones. A similar concrete or steel structure would have been 30 to 50% heavier. The project location is on a waterfront. The Installation is at an elevation of 28 m above ground level. Wind loads due to gust of 120 kmph and a temperature variation of 15° to 50°C were considered. The FRP Roofing project programme of conceptual design, detailed engineering, tooling, manufacturing, assembly and installation at site was completed within 16 months.