SNPDRI Achieves Key Breakthrough in Modular Construction Technology for Ultra-Large Cooling Towers

Recently, the post-doctoral workstation of SNPDRI under SPIC completed the special research on "Key Technologies for Modular Design and Construction of Cooling Tower X-shaped Columns," which passed expert review.

The research focuses on the modular construction challenges of prefabricated components for ultra-large cooling towers, systematically tackling the issue from three dimensions: scheme design, numerical simulation, and physical testing, achieving a series of technical results in joint design, reliability verification, and test validation. The research innovatively proposed a complete set of design schemes for multiple types of modular joints. Based on the load-bearing characteristics of cooling tower X-shaped columns, three types of modular column base joints were developed: integral post-cast, hybrid post-cast, and mechanical connection types, as well as three types of modular ring beam joints: composite ring beam, ring beam post-cast strip, and modular ring beam types. Parametric numerical analysis models were also established to achieve refined design of joint structures.

In terms of reliability verification, the project completed simulation analysis of joint mechanical responses under 12 working conditions, covering conventional design loads, ultimate loads, and multi-parameter combined conditions, theoretically validating the structural safety of various joint types. Meanwhile, the team independently completed a full set of tests on 6 groups of 1:4.5 scale models, including customization of dedicated loading equipment, deployment of sensing devices, and commissioning of data acquisition systems. Complete tensile and compressive mechanical tests on joints were conducted, with physical test data verifying and supporting the theoretical conclusions.

Based on this research, SNPDRI has filed 3 invention patent applications and published 2 SCI academic papers. This technical breakthrough effectively resolved the key challenges in standardized design and industrialized construction of prefabricated X-shaped column bases for ultra-large cooling towers, providing mature and reliable core technical support for assembled construction of large cooling towers, further consolidating SNPDRI's technical advantages in the field of assembled cooling tower construction.