Steel structure manufacturer since 2009 · 8 fabrication bases in China
Steel Buildings
Large-span steel for hangars, stadiums and halls
A hangar is sized from the aircraft, and its hardest member is the girder over the door. Above 40 m, truss depth, door loads and the lifting method decide cost more than tonnage. We plan all three with the scheme.
74 m
Largest single span on record
14,340 t
Naypyidaw stadium steel
36 m / 40 t
Atrium truss span / piece
100 m+
Space frame spans designed
Hangar sizing
Start from the aircraft, then add the future one
| Dimension | How it is set | Planning margin |
|---|---|---|
| Clear door width | Largest wingspan | Plus tip clearance each side, often 3 m or more |
| Clear door height | Tail (fin) height | Plus clearance for tugs and jacking |
| Depth | Aircraft length | Plus working space at nose and tail |
| Floor area | Number of aircraft | Working hangars often 1.4–1.8 × aircraft footprint |
| Future aircraft | Fleet plan | Extra height and width are cheap now, expensive later |
Clearances depend on the operator and local aviation rules. Planning values after published hangar design guides.
The door bay
How each hangar door loads the steel
The door supplier gives loads and the deflection limit for the door girder. Doors jam if the girder deflects more than the door can tolerate.
| Door type | How it loads the structure | Steel detail affected |
|---|---|---|
| Sliding (multi-leaf) | Weight on a floor track; wind and guidance at the top | Top guide beam, door pockets at the sides |
| Bi-fold | Hangs from the header; load moves as it opens | Header girder, hinge supports |
| Hydraulic single panel | Large point loads at the hinge line and cylinders | Hinge girder, column reactions |
| Vertical lift / fabric | Hangs from the header; lifting gear on top | Header girder, access platform |
Choose the door before the steel scheme. Changing door type later changes the header girder, the side columns and often the foundations.
Span systems
Which system for which span
Typical ranges. Roof loads, wind uplift and door openings move them.
| System | Economic span | Depth | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portal frame | up to 36 m | L/40–L/30 | Small hangars, sheds | Deflection at the door |
| Plane trusses on columns | 30–80 m | L/15–L/10 | Hangars, atria | Lateral stability, transport length |
| Space frame | 40–120 m | L/20–L/15 | Hangars, halls, domes | Many nodes, survey control |
| Arch or curved truss | 50–150 m | Rise L/6–L/5 | Stadiums, stations | Thrust at supports |
Span-to-depth ratios are industry planning values.
Fire and services
What hangs from a hangar roof
- Fire suppression per NFPA 409 or the local code: foam or deluge pipework adds roof load
- Smoke vents and roof drainage set openings in the trusses
- Maintenance hoists and fall-arrest lines need hard points
- Lighting and HVAC loads per zone
- Tail docks or fin pockets where required
NFPA 409 requirements depend on hangar group and size; confirm with the local fire authority.
Erection
Three ways to get a long-span roof up
Piece-by-piece lifting
Each truss lifted onto columns. Needs large cranes and temporary bracing.
Ground assembly and lift
Roof assembled on the ground and lifted in blocks by strand jacks.
Sliding
Sections assembled at one end and slid along rails where cranes cannot reach.
Decide the method in the scheme. It changes member forces, temporary works and splice positions. Door girders and long trusses are trial-assembled in our yard.
Large-span projects
Long spans we have delivered
Have you built an aircraft hangar?
Our large-span record is stadiums, factory atria and a 74 m greenhouse. The Meihua Aviation project was atrium trusses, not a complete hangar. The truss and space frame methods are the same.
Who designs the hangar door?
The door supplier. We design the steel around its loads and deflection limit.
Do you trial-assemble trusses?
Yes, long-span trusses and door girders, to check camber, splices and supports before shipping.
How long can a truss piece be for shipping?
About 11.8 m in a 40HQ, about 12 m on a flat rack, longer as break-bulk.
Who signs the design?
We provide the scheme and calculations; a local engineer usually checks and stamps them.
Large-span roof
Send the aircraft or use, and the site
We propose span system, door girder and lifting method with the estimate.