Taiku 10m Large Column Grid Solution Saves 15% Total Cost for Qingdao Free Trade Zone International Cold Chain Logistics Center Phase II

Traditional cold storage column grids are too small, limiting rack layout, forklift operation, and future automation upgrades. Expansion joints, beam depth, and insulation area affect construction cost, usable storage volume, and operational energy consumption. A holistic approach integrating structure, insulation, racking, and operational efficiency is needed at the design stage.

Adopted a 10.1m × 9.9m large column grid post-tensioned flat slab system, increasing storage capacity by over 15%. The flat soffit of the post-tensioned slab reduces insulation material usage. Segmental post-tensioning eliminated the need for post-cast strips, shortening construction schedule. Total construction cost saved by 15%.

BICP's Taiku system employs a post-tensioned prestressed low-carbon construction solution for cold chain warehouses. Under applicable conditions, it enables a 12m × 12m column grid and up to 120m without expansion joints (dual warehouse integration). Compared to conventional solutions, it can reduce overall construction cost by 10–20% while improving structural durability and reducing maintenance costs. This case study presents the application of BICP's Taiku system in the Qingdao Free Trade Zone International Cold Chain Logistics Center Phase II Project, specifically for Cold Storage Buildings 3 and 4.

Project Overview

Qingdao Free Trade Zone International Cold Chain Logistics Center Phase II Project (Cold Storage Buildings 3 and 4) is a typical Taiku product case where BICP provided engineering services from April 2021 to December 2021. The project is located in Huangdao District, Qingdao, within the Qianwan Comprehensive Free Trade Zone, east of the port main road.

Total building area: approximately 32,729 m², consisting of cold storage rooms and ante-chambers. The structure comprises five above-ground cold storage floors and one underground elevated floor, with a main structural height of 48.80m. The elevated floor slab uses unbonded post-tensioning technology, while the cold storage floors 1–4 and roof slab use bonded post-tensioned flat slab technology. Overall plan dimensions: 126.0m × 51.7m, divided into two cold storage units (Building 3 and Building 4) separated by one expansion joint. Each unit measures 62.9m × 57.1m, with column grid 10.1m × 9.9m, live load 2.5–3 t/m², and floor height 10.1m.

Project Challenges

1. Storage capacity and grid size: As a key import-export trade hub, the project demanded large storage capacity and column spacing. Ensuring post-tensioning quality was critical for structural capacity.
2. Post-cast strip arrangement: The 126.0m × 51.7m building required vertical post-cast strips in each unit per code, which would delay structural topping-out and complicate construction, potentially affecting quality and future cold storage operation.

Solution and Advantages

1. Large column grid post-tensioned flat slab: The 10.1m × 9.9m grid increased storage capacity by over 15%. The flat soffit eliminated beam protrusions, facilitating insulation spraying and reducing insulation material usage. Total construction cost saved by 15%. BICP assigned on-site engineers to supervise and ensure quality.
2. Elimination of post-cast strips: To meet the schedule, post-cast strips were omitted. Segmental post-tensioning was applied: as concrete gained strength, prestressing strands were tensioned in stages, introducing early compression to control shrinkage cracking.
3. Enhanced durability and load capacity: The high-strength, low-relaxation prestressing strands, through bond with concrete, provided elastic reserve, improving structural durability and load-bearing capacity for cold storage operations.

Applicability and Disclaimer

The Taiku system is suitable for cold chain warehouses requiring large column grids and post-tensioned flat slabs. Specific column grid, loads, expansion joint optimization, and floor height should be verified based on project conditions.

This article is compiled by BICP for the resource center, updated according to current brand guidelines, product scope, and compliance requirements.

Increased storage capacity by over 15%, saved 15% total construction cost, eliminated post-cast strips, shortened construction schedule, and enhanced structural durability.