Tianfu Agricultural Expo – Asia’s largest timber structure

At over 75,000sqm, the new Tianfu Agriculture Expo will be the largest timber structure in Asia, and one of the largest timber structures in the world.

Working closely with one of China’s most famous architects CuiKai, Canada based StructureCraft created the structural timber design for this series of 5 vaults using unique Vierendeel trusses to achieve clear spans of more than 115m and heights up to 45m.

Site installation is advancing rapidly and the building is slated to open for visitors mid-2022.

The 5 exhibition halls will house museums and display agricultural products from the region. The roofs of these halls are clad with ETFE plastic membrane but are open-ended, encouraging a direct connection with the surrounding farmland.

Each arch is formed from a series of unique Vierendeel trusses (sub-assemblies) built of two bottom chords and one top chord. These chords are connected through steel triangles to transfer the shear for any moment or unbalanced loading in the structure. 

The trusses are connected to each other with half lap splices and screws, and form lift assemblies which are erected into the curved arch that comprises the basis for the ‘mountain’ shapes of the 5 vaults. Each at a different height, a series of parallel arches are joined together horizontally to form the gently sloping effect of the structure.

ETFE is currently being placed over the arches to provide a weather resistant membrane that leaves the timber exposed to the viewer’s eye.

BIM and prefabrication were key to the efficient execution of the buildings, with StructureCraft structural engineers in Canada collaborating in 3D with the architect, manufacturers, and on-site construction teams. 

 Courtesy StructureCraft Canada