Water Cube Construction Technology
Membrane structure building is the most representative new architectural form in the 21st century, and has become one of the main forms of long-span space architecture. It integrates architecture, structural mechanics, fine chemicals, materials science and computer technology to create an iconic spatial structure form. It not only reflects the power and beauty of the structure, but also fully expresses the architect's vision and enjoys the great outdoors. Natural romantic space. In the architectural design of the 2008 Olympic Games, the application of membrane structures was perfectly reflected.
The "Water Cube" is the world's largest membrane structure project. The world's most advanced environmentally friendly and energy-saving ETFE (tetrafluoroethylene) membrane material is used around the building. Tan Xiaochun, general manager of the National Stadium Project Contracting, revealed that the lifespan of this material is more than 20 years, but it will actually be longer than this. People can walk on it and it feels great. Currently, there are only three companies in the world that can complete this membrane structure.
The overall building of the "Water Cube" is composed of more than 3,000 air pillows. The air pillows are of different sizes and shapes, covering an area of ??100,000 square meters, which is the largest in the world. Except for the ground, the exterior adopts membrane structure. A successfully installed air pillow will be inflated into "bubbles" through the inflation pipeline installed on the steel frame in advance. The entire inflation process is intelligently monitored by a computer, and the "bubbles" are kept in the best condition according to the prevailing air pressure, lighting and other conditions.
This "bubble"-like membrane material has a self-cleaning function, making the surface of the membrane basically free of dust. Even if it is dusty, natural precipitation will be enough to make it clean as new. In addition, the membrane material has good pressure resistance, so people can "play on the trampoline" on it without any problem, and "it will not be crushed even if it is put on a car normally." If the outer membrane ruptures, according to the emergency plan, the damaged outer membrane can be repaired or replaced with a new one within 8 hours. The crystal-clear coat of the "Water Cube" is dotted with countless white bright spots, called plating spots, which can change the direction of light and have the effect of heat insulation and light scattering.
In addition, the "Water Cube" covers an area of ??7.8 hectares, but does not use a single steel bar or concrete. Its walls and ceiling are connected by thin steel pipes, with 12,000 nodes. The membrane structure air pillows, which are only 2.4 mm thick, cover the entire building like a skin. The largest one is about 9 square meters, and the smallest one is less than 1 square meter. Compared with glass, it can let in more sunlight and air, allowing the swimming pool to maintain a constant temperature and save 30% of electricity.
What is the Water Cube
The perfect embodiment of the membrane structure - the Water Cube
The membrane structure building is the most representative brand-new building in the 21st century The form has become one of the main forms of long-span space architecture. It integrates architecture, structural mechanics, fine chemicals, materials science and computer technology to create an iconic spatial structure form. It not only reflects the power and beauty of the structure, but also fully expresses the architect's vision and enjoys the great outdoors. Natural romantic space. In the architectural design of the 2008 Olympic Games, the application of membrane structures was perfectly reflected.
The "Water Cube" is the world's largest membrane structure project. Except for the ground, the exterior uses a membrane structure - ETFE material. The blue surface is unexpectedly soft but very substantial. . Tan Xiaochun, general manager of the National Stadium Project Contracting, revealed that the lifespan of this material is more than 20 years, but it will actually be longer than this. People can walk on it and it feels great. Currently, there are only three companies in the world that can complete this membrane structure.
“Considering the energy-saving standards of the venue, the membrane structure has a strong heat insulation function; in addition, it is very convenient to repair this structure. For example, after a gun or sharp object is poked in, the monitoring computer It will show up automatically. If a hole is broken, just stick it with a sticker; the membrane structure is also very light and has good self-cleaning properties. Dust will not stick to it easily and can be absorbed by rainwater. "Drainage." Tan Xiaochun said that the membrane structure itself has the functions of drainage and sewage discharge, as well as dehumidification and anti-fog functions, especially the anti-condensation function, which is especially important for swimming.
As a building that imitates water, the complex and free structural form of the Water Cube is derived from the ingenious and simple variation of the planning system. The simple and pure shape modestly dialogues with the grand home ground, and the contrast of different temperaments makes it Their respective spiritualities are brought to life in an interesting way. Coconut trees, beaches, artificial waves... sublime the Olympic arena into an eternal water park in the minds of the world.
The Wandering Life of the Water Cube Designer
My name is John Pauline, Australian. If you mention the "Water Cube", don't say that I designed it alone. We are a team. Three designers from China Construction International Design Company came to Australia and collaborated with five of us from PTW Architectural Design to jointly design the "Water Cube". You must know that sometimes, if individuals in the team go their own way, the designed things will be terrible, but the "Water Cube" is a successful example. Despite our different backgrounds and cultures, we have integrated our design concepts very well. Close your eyes and think about the Water Cube in the future. During the day, the bright sunshine shines in through those blue bubbles. You lie on the artificial beach, with the sound of waves in your ears and the excited screams of surfers; at night When the lights turn on, it's simply a blue crystal palace...
You ask me what I like? I'm a little embarrassed to say it, but I like all kinds of Olympic mascots. Those furry things are not just for girls. I have been passionate about collecting mascots since working on the Sydney Olympics. Athena, Favors, Sid, Mili and Ollie, the Fuwa that says "Beijing Welcomes You", and the antelope Ollie from the Doha Asian Games, I already have a lot of them at home. Originally they were all in the cupboard, but my wife stuffed them all under the bed. She said that I am 38 years old and should not be so childish. In fact, she does not know that each mascot represents a place where I have lived and worked. Seeing them reminds me of that familiar past