First Hoisting of the Steel Roof Structure for the Southern Section of Terminal 2 at Kunming Changshui International Airport

The steel roof structure of the southern section of Terminal 2 employs a ‘spatial truss + single-storey framed skylight’ design. Installed at a maximum height of 68.55 metres, it weighs approximately 4,319 tonnes—equivalent to 1,080 adult Asian elephants standing side by side; The total area is approximately 25,961 square metres, equivalent to 3.6 standard football pitches laid end to end.

To tackle this colossal structure, the project team adopted a construction method involving “floor assembly and sectional hoisting”, dividing the steel roof into four sections to be hoisted sequentially. This marks the first hoisting operation, focusing on the TB1-1 section. The TB1-1 steel roof section covers an area of approximately 3,079 square metres, with an overall span of 67.2 metres and a weight of approximately 652 tonnes. Through a series of processes including assembly, pre-hoisting, static loading, formal hoisting and alignment, the project team successfully positioned this section of the steel roof with precision, marking a crucial step forward in the project’s construction.

Project Construction Site

The overall design of Terminal 2 is guided by the concept of “people moving with the scenery, people within the scenery”. Through the combination of tree-shaped columns, canopy skylights and diffused natural light, it creates the spatial ambiance of a “colourful spring forest”. The integrated tree-shaped column support system not only enhances the expressiveness of the large-span interior space but also blends seamlessly with the landside landscape, creating an ecological and cultural garden-style airport experience unique to Yunnan.

Kunming Changshui International Airport’s Terminal 2 has a total floor area of 730,000 square metres and comprises one main terminal building and six concourses. The steel structure works primarily include the main terminal roof, the steel columns supporting the roof, the internal steel structure, and the boarding bridges. Upon completion, Terminal 2 will enable Kunming Airport to handle an annual passenger throughput of 95 million, cargo and mail throughput of 1 million tonnes, and 633,000 aircraft movements. It will establish the airport as an international aviation hub serving South and Southeast Asia, serving as a new driving force for regional social development.

If you are planning a large-scale steel structure project, please feel free to contact our team so we can discuss solutions tailored to your project’s needs.