How Do Extra-Large UHPC Shapes Overcome Transportation Challenges? Transportation Solutions and Protection Strategies

Extra-large UHPC shapes (single unit weight ≥1000kg or dimensions ≥6m×3m) are prone to damage, deformation, and other issues during transportation due to their large volume, heavy weight, and special shapes, requiring dedicated transportation plans. Drawing on its transportation experience from the extra-large UHPC project at Shanghai New World Century Plaza, Qinglong analyzes the core solution strategies and practical plans.

I. Pre-Transportation Preparation and Component Splitting Optimization

Scientific splitting and pre-treatment reduce transportation difficulty. Component splitting principle: split extra-large UHPC shapes into standardized modules according to structural load-bearing characteristics, with single unit weight controlled at 800-1200kg and dimensions ≤6m×2.5m, ensuring compatibility with conventional transportation vehicles; splitting joints adopt a mortise-and-tenon design for easy on-site assembly. Enhanced pre-treatment: apply PE protective film to component surfaces, install anti-collision steel corner protectors on edges and corners, and set up temporary support frames inside to improve deformation resistance; in extra-large UHPC sculpture transportation, Qinglong controlled deformation within ±1mm through temporary supports. Transportation route planning: survey transportation routes in advance, avoid bridges, tunnels, and sections with height and weight limits, reinforce soft road surfaces, and plan emergency refuge points to ensure smooth transportation.

II. Transportation Vehicle and Loading Plan Design

Match appropriate transportation vehicles to ensure stable loading. Vehicle selection: components weighing 1000-2000kg use large flatbed trucks equipped with hydraulic lifting systems; components weighing >2000kg use ultra-low flatbed semi-trailers to lower the transportation center of gravity and improve stability; extra-wide and extra-high components require oversize transportation permits and escort vehicles. Loading method: load components vertically or at an angle; flat stacking is strictly prohibited. For vertical loading, the angle with the truck compartment side is ≥85°; for angled loading, the inclination is controlled at 30-45°. Rubber buffer pads are placed between components and the truck compartment to avoid collision during transportation. Fixing measures: fix components with high-strength steel wire ropes and tensioners, with fixing point spacing ≤1.5m and no fewer than 4 fixing points per component; Qinglong uses tensiometers to control fixing tension, avoiding over-tightening that could crush components.

III. Transportation Process Control and Emergency Handling

Fine-grained control avoids transportation risks. Driving regulations: keep transportation speed at 30-40km/h, with speed on turns, uphill and downhill sections ≤15km/h; avoid sudden acceleration and braking that cause inertial displacement of components. En-route inspection: stop every 100 kilometers to check component fixing and surface conditions, and handle problems promptly; night transportation requires sufficient lighting equipment. Extreme weather response: avoid transportation during heavy rain, strong wind (wind force ≥6), high temperature, and other severe weather; in hot weather, provide sunshade protection for components to prevent surface cracking. Emergency plans: equip backup tensioners, protective materials, and other emergency supplies; in case of road congestion or equipment failure, immediately activate alternative routes or contact rescue services; Qinglong has established a 24-hour emergency response mechanism for extra-large project transportation.

IV. Unloading and On-site Transfer Coordination

Standardized unloading procedures ensure safety for the last mile. Unloading equipment selection: use truck cranes or crawler cranes with rated lifting capacity ≥1.5 times the component weight, equipped with flexible slings to avoid damaging component surfaces. Unloading operation: follow the process of "steady lifting - slow moving - precise placement"; unloading points must be hardened in advance, with temporary storage brackets set up and rubber pads placed on the contact surfaces between brackets and components. On-site transfer: use hydraulic flatbed carts for short-distance transfer and continue using ultra-low flatbeds for long-distance transfer; transfer routes must be smooth and unobstructed, with sufficient turning space reserved at corners. In the Shanghai New World project, Qinglong achieved zero-damage delivery of extra-large UHPC components through efficient unloading and transfer coordination.