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2019-04-09

Meixi Urban Helix Structure in Changsha, China

A spectacular viewing platform visible from afar is the architectural highlight of Meixi International New City, a city expansion of Changsa, China. The conical double helix with a height of 30 m (98.5 ft) provides a 360-degree view, including the Meixi reservoir, which covers an area of 40 ha (4,305,564 ft²).

Meixi Urban Helix in Changsha, China
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Meixi Urban Helix

Im Rahmen eines 2013 ausgeschriebenen Wettbewerbs erarbeiteten KSP Jürgen Engel Architekten zusammen mit den Tragwerksplanern Weiske + Partner verschiedene Konzepte. Die Entscheidung fiel auf die Helix in ihrer jetzigen Form. Für die statische Berechnung des räumlichen Tragwerks verwendeten die Ingenieure von Weiske + Partner das FEM-Programm RFEM.

Konstruktion

Auf der Außenseite der geneigten Stützen schraubt sich eine 6 m breite begehbaren Rampe spiralförmig in die Höhe. Am Aussichtspunkt in 30 m Höhe hat die Helix einen Durchmesser von 88 m. Abwärts führt eine gegenläufige Rampe auf der Innenseite der Stützen. Sie endet nach einer Lauflänge von insgesamt einem Kilometer in einem öffentlichen Park. 

Die Rampen bestehen aus biege- und torsionssteifen Stahlröhren, die am Rand auf den insgesamt 32 Stahlstützen aufgelagert sind. Da die Gehbahnen auf der Innen- und Außenseite der Stützen aufgelagert sind, gleichen sich die exzentrischen Lasten weitestgehend aus. Dadurch konnten die Stützen aus Hohlkastenprofilen relativ schlank ausgeführt werden. Die nach unten konisch aufgeweiteten Stützen sind am Fußpunkt in ein Kreisringfundament auf Großbohrpfählen eingespannt. 

Die Aussteifung der Helix wird in tangentialer Richtung durch filigrane Zugseile zwischen den Stützen realisiert. Deren flache Neigung reduziert die Horizontalsteifigkeit der Konstruktion und somit die Reaktionskräfte aus Erdbebenbeanspruchungen.

Investor City of Changsha, China
Architect KSP Jürgen Engel Architects
www.ksp-engel.com
Structural Analysis
Weiske + Partner GmbH, Germany
Beratende Ingenieure VBI

Project Specifications

Model Data

Number of Nodes 1323
Number of Lines 2187
Number of Members 2184
Number of Load Cases 7
Number of Load Combinations 14
Number of Result Combinations 10
Total Weight 8435,122 t
Dimensions (Metric) 76.710 x 76.245 x 34.957 m
Dimensions (Imperial) 251.67 x 250.15 x 114.69 feet
Program Version 5.18.01

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Videos
Models to Download
Knowledge Base Articles
KB 001879 | Influence of Bending Stiffness of Cables
This article describes and explains the influence of bending stiffness of cables on their internal forces. Furthermore, the text provides information on how this influence can be reduced.
KB 001848 | Timber Column Design as per 2018 NDS Standard in RFEM 6
Using the Timber Design add-on, timber column design is possible according to the 2018 NDS standard ASD method. Accurately calculating timber member compressive capacity and adjustment factors is important for safety considerations and design. The following article will verify the maximum critical buckling strength calculated by the Timber Design add-on using step-by-step analytical equations as per the NDS 2018 standard including the compressive adjustment factors, adjusted compressive design value, and final design ratio.
Conversion to Parametric Section
Rolled sections, the most common cross‑section type in RFEM and RSTAB, can also have user‑defined parameters. To do this, select the cross‑section to be modified in the cross‑section library and click the [Parametric Input...] button.
Timber Beam-Column
In this article, the adequacy of a 2x4 dimension lumber subject to combined biaxial bending and axial compression is verified using the RF-/TIMBER AWC add-on module. The beam-column properties and loading are based on example E1.8 of AWC Structural Wood Design Examples 2015/2018.
Screenshots
Product Features
Feature 002843 | Dimensioning with Result Function

For design objects, you can optionally display sags or extreme results.

Export RFEM or RSTAB Models to *.glb or *.glTF Format

RFEM and RSTAB models can be saved as 3D glTF models (*.glb and *.glTF formats). View the models in 3D in detail with a 3D viewer from Google or Babylon. Take your VR glasses, such as Oculus, to "walk" through the structure.

You can integrate the 3D glTF models into your own websites using JavaScript according to the instructions (as on the Dlubal website Models to Download): "Easily display interactive 3D models on the web & in AR" .

Activation of Camera Flight Mode in RFEM

With the Camera Fly Mode view option, you can fly through your RFEM and RSTAB structure. Control the direction and speed of the flight with your keyboard. Additionally, you can save the flight through your structure as a video.

"Update only Materials, Thicknesses, and Cross-Sections" Export Option

The direct interface with Revit allows you to update the Revit model according to the changes you have made in RFEM or RSTAB. Depending on the modification, the Revit objects may have to be regenerated (deleting the object and subsequent regeneration). The regeneration is performed on the basis of the RFEM/RSTAB model.

If you want to avoid this regeneration, activate the check box 'Update only materials, thicknesses, and sections'. In this case, only the properties of the objects will be adjusted. Changes different from those in material, surface thickness, and section are, however, not considered in this case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where can I find the update reports for RFEM 5, RSTAB 8, SHAPE-THIN, SHAPE-MASSIVE, RX-TIMBER, CRANEWAY, PLATE-BUCKLING, COMPOSITE-BEAM?

For my NVIDIA graphics card, I need to select between a driver from the "Production Branch" and a "New Feature Branch." Which driver is best suited for RFEM/RSTAB?
Why do the min/max values of the total displacement not match the deformations when working with result combinations?
Can I display node coordinates in my model?
Can I use SHAPE-THIN 9 in combination with RSTAB 8?
Has the RF-TOWER add-on module for RFEM 5 already been added to RFEM 6?
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