Fig 36- The Lord’s Cricket Stadium

Large Span Structures

Long Span Structures are those that have a span of more than 15-20 metres. The span of such structures cannot be attained using standard R.C.C. construction. Long spans generally result in internal spaces that are flexible and column-free, lowering substructure costs and erecting time. Many long span solutions can also be customised to allow for service integration without increasing the overall floor depth.

Fig 30- Qingdao Citizen Fitness Center Source- https://www.archdaily.com/953874/qingdao-citizen-fitness-center-architecture-and-engineers-of-southeast-university

Case Example 1- Qingdao Citizen Fitness Center

Architects: Architecture & Engineers of Southeast University Client: Shandong Provincial People’s Congress and State Council Year: 2018 Location: Qingdao, China Capacity: 60,000 pax

The project is located in the geographical and geometric center of Qingdao city, airport, high-speed railway station and other regional transportation hubs.

Fig 31- Qingdao Citizen Fitness Center: Part-Section Source- https://www.archdaily.com/953874/qingdao-citizen-fitness-center-architecture-and-engineers-of-southeast-university

Case Example 2- Beijing National Stadium

Architects: Herzog and de Meuron Client: The China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC); Beijing Municipal Corporation Year: 2008 Location: Bejing, China Capacity: 91,000 pax

The shape of the roof was inspired by yin yang, the Chinese philosophy of balance and harmony.

The circular shape of the Beijing Olympic stadium represents heaven, but has been described as a bird’s nest, with its pattern inspired by Chinesestyle crazed pottery.

Fig 32- Qingdao Citizen Fitness Center: Structure Source- https://www.archdaily.com/953874/qingdao-citizen-fitness-center-architecture-and-engineers-of-southeast-university

Inferences:

1. Roof is cantilevered to provide an unobstructed clear view of playing arena to spectators.

2. Roof spans over the entire length of stands, which would help in providing shade to spectators for majority time of the day.

3. Steel has allowed the stadium to achieve a fluidic form, due to high tensile and yield strength it offers.

4. Aluminium is used to fabricate the roof form, as it is extremely lightweight (compared to steel and concrete).