The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic GamesAugust 8-24 2008
(BEIJING, March 29) -- The huge steel frame dome ceiling of Laoshan Velodrome catches the eyes upon entering the venue. Looking up the dome, you might feel like the sky is supported by layers of steel.
How was this huge steel frame dome put on top? An official of the National Sports Bureau compares the procedure to hanging one side of a pot cover.
The dome of Laoshan Velodrome is arch-shaped. Its steel frame extends from inside to outside like the annual rings of a tree. The length between the smallest ring to the biggest is 60 meters, with each ring connected by numerous steel frames.
The installation of such a long-range steel doom was a big challenge. According to the official, several proposals were put forward. Someone even proposed to weld the steel suspended in mid air so that it would not have to be hung up.
However, the arch shape of the velodrome inspired the builders. The most suitable method for it to be suspended is to open it like an umbrella.
In the center of the velodrome, the construction workers welded the centermost steel ring. After that, it was suspended to a certain height to ensure the second steel ring's welding could be conducted on the ground. And then the second steel ring would be suspended, too.
And the process repeated just like this. The whole process is like opening an umbrella. The doom was hung up top gradually.
