The VinFast automobile manufacturing complex in Hai Phong is not only a symbol of Vietnam's industry but also a miracle in construction speed, coming into operation after only 21 months from the groundbreaking date. To achieve this miraculous speed for a 335ha mega-project, the steel structure solution has played an irreplaceable role.
This article will analyze in depth the VinFast factory case study, clarifying how steel structures such as columns, trusses, bracing systems and various types of connections were applied to solve the project's huge technical challenges.
1. Challenge: Speed, Scale and Complexity
The VinFast project posed three major challenges for the design and construction team:
- Unprecedented speed: Completing and operating a modern automobile manufacturing complex in less than 2 years is a huge pressure, requiring the fastest and most efficient construction method.
- Huge scale: With an area of 335 hectares, including many large factories such as stamping workshop, body welding workshop, paint workshop, engine workshop, assembly workshop..., the project requires structural solutions capable of overcoming extremely large spans to create open, column-free spaces for automated production lines and robots.
- Complex technical requirements: Each factory has its own function, requiring the structure to meet different load requirements, from giant stamping machines to precision robotic welding systems.
2. Solution: The Comprehensive Strength of Steel Structures
To overcome the above challenges, pre-engineered steel frame solution has been chosen as the main solution. The entire process from design, production of components at the factory and assembly at the construction site is thoroughly optimized.
a. Large Span Steel Truss Frame Creates Open Space
To meet the space requirements for production lines nearly 4km long, engineers used a system
steel trusses , and steel column capable of large spans.
- Steel columns: The main load-bearing steel columns, usually of H or I cross-section, are calculated to bear the entire load of the roof, walls, and overhead technical systems.
- Steel truss: The steel trusses are rigid frames, designed with beveled cross-sections to optimize load-bearing capacity and save materials. This truss system allows the creation of large factory spaces without the need for central columns, creating ideal conditions for the arrangement of production lines and robots.
b. Cross Bracing System Ensures Stability for the “Giant”
With its huge scale and location in the coastal area of Cat Hai, Hai Phong, ensuring the stability of the project against the impact of storms is of utmost importance.
Steel structural bracing system has played its role as a "hidden skeleton".
- Roof bracing and column bracing: X-shaped diagonal bracing systems are arranged in the gable bays and the rigid bays along the factory. This bracing system connects all the individual trusses and columns into a solid 3D space, capable of resisting horizontal and vertical forces, ensuring that the structure is not deformed.
c. Bolt Connection Increases Installation Speed
To meet the 21-month schedule, construction at the site must proceed as quickly as possible.
- Factory production: Components such as columns and trusses are mass-produced in the factory with automatic welding joints to ensure quality.
- Erection at construction site: At the construction site, these components are assembled together mainly by high strength bolted connectionThis method allows for quick, precise erection with little dependence on the weather, which is a key factor in accelerating the overall progress of the entire project.
3. The Imprint of Hai Long Steel Structure at VinFast Project
Contributing to the success and record construction speed of this super project, Hai Long Steel Structure Honored to be one of the main steel structure contractors, undertaking production and installation 5.000 tons of steel structure for key items are Assembly Shop and Ebus Shop (Electric Bus Manufacturing Factory).
Being selected to participate in a national project with the most stringent requirements on quality and progress has strongly affirmed the capacity of Hai Long Steel Structure:
- Outstanding production capacity: To meet the volume of 5.000 tons of steel in a short time, Hai Long has mobilized the maximum capacity of the modern factory system, ensuring that the components are manufactured precisely according to the design drawings and delivered to the construction site on schedule.
- Professional construction experience: Hai Long's team of engineers and workers have implemented safe and effective installation measures, coordinated smoothly with other contractors to complete the project, directly contributing to shortening the overall construction time.
- Home field advantage: With its location in Hai Phong, Hai Long has proven its role as a strategic partner, with a deep understanding of the local context, and the ability to quickly and flexibly respond to the requirements of a mega project right on its “home ground”.
Participation of Hai Long Steel Structure The investment in the VinFast project is a clear demonstration of the position of one of the leading steel structure units in the Northern region, with enough capacity and reputation to carry out the largest and most complex industrial projects.
4. Result: The Miracle of Vietnam's Industry
The smart and synchronous application of steel structure solutions has brought about impressive results:
- Complete the record: VinFast factory complex officially went into operation after only 21 months, a record in the world automobile industry.
- Optimal production space: The factories have large spaces, perfectly meeting the requirements for installing the most modern production lines and robot systems in Southeast Asia.
- Evidence of ability: The project is a clear demonstration of the strength of Vietnam's steel structure industry, demonstrating its ability to meet large-scale industrial projects with the most stringent technical and schedule requirements.
