The Xingtai Taihang International Exhibition and Convention Center (formerly known as the Xingtai International Exhibition and Convention Center) is a large-scale exhibition and convention venue situated in the Xingdong New District of Xingtai City, Hebei Province. With a total floor area of approximately 88,500 square meters and a total investment of approximately 2.1 billion RMB, it stands as one of Xingtai City's "Top Ten Standard Urban Facilities" projects and serves as a new urban landmark integrating functions such as exhibitions, conferences, business, culture, and sports.
The main venue features a large-span steel structure; specifically, the trusses in Exhibition Hall B boast a maximum span of 67.086 meters, with a maximum spacing of 75.81 meters between the outermost steel columns at both ends. This design represents a quintessential example of a large-span spatial steel structure system.
The project employs a structural system comprising circular tubular columns and folded truss beams, primarily protected by intumescent fire-retardant coatings for steel structures. The roof system consists of a tubular truss network comprising over 20,000 individual members—with a total steel consumption exceeding 10,000 tons—and utilizes uniquely shaped steel truss structures to realize a streamlined roof design evocative of the "Taihang Mountains."
1. Complex Structural System and High Difficulty in Detailed Design
The project adopts a "circular tubular column + folded truss beam" structural configuration, featuring a cantilevered tubular truss roof system. The overall structure is asymmetrical and contains numerous bending and torsion-prone members. With over 20,000 individual structural members—none of which are identical—the detailed design phase entailed an immense workload, involved a wide variety of node types, and covered an extensive scope, thereby imposing extremely rigorous requirements on modeling precision and node detailing.
2. Significant Construction Challenges Associated with Large-Span Cantilevered Tubular Trusses
Exhibition Hall B features trusses with a maximum span of approximately 67 meters and a spacing of approximately 75.8 meters between the outermost steel columns at its extremities. The main roof structure consists of large-span cantilevered tubular trusses subject to complex force distribution. Given the extraordinary length and width of the structural components, critical aspects of construction—including hoisting routes, the placement of temporary supports, the installation sequence, and deformation control measures—emerged as key focal points and significant challenges during the execution phase.
3. High Precision Requirements for the Irregular Double-Curved Metal Roof and Curtain Wall
Modeled after the "Taihang Flower," the building features a composition of five mountain-like forms. This design achieves a continuous, undulating roof effect through the integration of irregular steel trusses and double-curved metal curtain walls. Given the complex geometry of the metal roofing, the project imposed extremely rigorous requirements regarding the precision of component fabrication, assembly, and installation.
4. Strict Requirements for Welding Quality and Deformation Control
The steel structure primarily utilizes a combination of high-strength bolted and welded connections; consequently, welding quality directly determines structural safety. The project implemented strict controls across various stages—including welder certification, welding procedure qualification tests, visual weld inspections, and non-destructive testing—and employed measures such as pre-cambering and pre-assembly to effectively control welding-induced deformation.
5. High Demands for Full-Lifecycle BIM and Digital Intelligent Construction Applications
The project extensively applied BIM technology throughout its entire lifecycle. Through construction simulations, structural stresses and deformations were analyzed to guide the formulation of construction plans, while intelligent 3D modeling facilitated the precise fabrication and installation of structural components. The project's achievements in this regard earned it a National-level Project Management Achievement Award and First Prize in a Digital Intelligent Construction Technology Application Competition, demonstrating a high level of proficiency in digital construction practices.
6. Tight Schedule, Extensive Concurrent Operations, and Complex Coordination Challenges
Faced with adverse conditions—including a compressed construction schedule and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—the project advanced through continuous, round-the-clock operations involving extensive concurrent work across multiple disciplines. This approach entailed the simultaneous execution of steel structure erection, concrete construction, curtain wall installation, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems, and interior finishing, placing exceptionally high demands on on-site coordination and safety management.
Since its inauguration in March 2024, the Xingtai Taihang International Convention and Exhibition Center has hosted numerous large-scale exhibitions, attracting over 4,900 exhibitors and drawing a total of 330,000 visitors. It has emerged as a landmark structure in Xingtai City and serves as a key showcase for local industries, playing a pivotal role in boosting the convention and exhibition economy and enhancing the city's public image.
