Crafting New Landmarks for Expressways – Kaifort’s Highway Toll Station Canopy Projects Garner Praise
Against the backdrop of advancing expressway construction and continuous improvement in service quality, toll stations, as crucial service points, are seeing increasing emphasis on the image and functionality of their supporting facilities. Recently, several highway toll station membrane structure canopy projects designed and constructed by Kaifort Membrane Structure Co., Ltd. have been completed. These new shading facilities, which combine aesthetics with practicality, have won unanimous praise from project owners and road users alike with their clean, flowing white appearance and reliable, durable performance, becoming striking landmarks along the expressways.
Project Background: An Inevitable Choice for Service Enhancement
With socio-economic development and rising living standards, public demand for travel experience quality is increasing. Expressway toll stations, as vital nodes for vehicle passage influence the perception of drivers and passengers. Many early-constructed toll station canopies suffer from material aging, limited functionality, and outdated appearance, no longer matching the image of modern expressways.
In this context, several expressway management companies initiated upgrade plans for toll station facilities. After extensive evaluation and comparison, the membrane structure was ultimately chosen as the new building form. Leveraging its rich experience and specialized expertise in transportation infrastructure, Kaifort Membrane Structure successfully secured multiple projects, including mainline toll stations, ramp toll stations, and other site types.
Project Characteristics: Site-Specific Customized Design
Each toll station has its unique site conditions, traffic patterns, and visual requirements. Adhering to a “one-station, one-solution” design philosophy, Kaifort tailored the most suitable方案 for each site.
At the Luwu Town toll station, considering its high traffic volume and multiple lanes, the design team adopted a continuous, large-span wave-like design. The white membrane roof undulates like waves, covering all toll lanes, creating an open and grand visual effect. Support columns were strategically placed between toll islands to minimize interference with vehicle traffic.
Jingu toll station, the team employed a modular组合 design. Each toll lane is covered by an independent membrane structure unit, with gaps between units ensuring structural independence while forming a rhythmically cohesive整体 effect. The prominent “Jingu”标识 at the center of the membrane roof became a distinctive feature of this station.
For the Zhongma Park toll station,针对 the relatively long and narrow site characteristic, a elongated membrane structure canopy was designed. A smooth curve extends from one end to the other, resembling a white ribbon that complements the surrounding greenery, creating a clean, modern aesthetic.
Technical Innovation: Excellence in the Details
In these projects, Kaifort applied multiple innovative technologies and processes to ensure工程 quality and效果.
In structural design, 3D modeling and finite element analysis were used to perform precise calculations for wind and snow loads at each site, ensuring structural safety. Addressing the asymmetrical lane layout and complex load characteristics of toll stations, the support system was optimized using variable-section steel columns and reinforced joints, ensuring strength while conserving materials.
In material selection, the main steel structure used Q235-dip galvanized steel with a zinc coating thickness exceeding 86μm, ensuring long-term corrosion protection. The membrane material selected was high-grade German imported PVDF architectural membrane, treated with a nano self-cleaning surface for strong anti-fouling properties, maintaining whiteness over长期 use. All连接件 used stainless steel to prevent galvanic corrosion.
In construction techniques, modular construction methods were promoted. Steel structures were prefabricated into large units at the factory, rapidly lifted and assembled on-site like building blocks, greatly reducing on-site work time. Membrane tensioning employed graded synchronous tensioning technology, using hydraulic tensioning equipment for precise tension control, ensuring a smooth membrane surface with even stress distribution.
Construction Management: Refined Full-Process Control
Toll station construction presents a特殊 environment: continuous traffic, limited space, and high safety requirements. Kaifort’s project teams developed meticulous construction organization plans addressing these characteristics.
Traffic management was paramount. Detailed traffic diversion plans were formulated for each project, reviewed jointly with road administration and traffic police, implementing comprehensive warning signs, directional signage, and protective barriers. Construction was scheduled during off-peak hours at night and early morning. Major lifting operations were announced in advance, with专职 traffic controllers directing on-site.
Safety management was uncompromising. All personnel entering the site underwent safety training. 100% of personnel working at height used safety harnesses. Lifting operations had designated警戒 zones. Hot work required permits. Daily safety inspections and weekly safety meetings were held to eliminate potential hazards.
Quality control strictly adhered to standards. A four-tier quality control system was established: material acceptance, process交接 inspection, hidden work acceptance, and final completion inspection. Key processes like steel welding and membrane tensioning had on-site supervision with影像 records retained. Third-party inspection agencies conducted random sampling of critical indicators like welds, coatings, and tension, ensuring zero defects.
Usage Effectiveness: Unity of Functionesthetics
After commissioning, the projects received positive feedback from all sides.
Functionally, the new canopies perfectly address sun and rain protection. In summer, the white membrane roof reflects most solar radiation, significantly lowering temperatures underneath, improving the working environment for toll operators and providing shade for queuing vehicles. During rain, water flows quickly off the curved surface without splashing into the booths, ensuring normal operation. The membrane’s translucency provides ample natural light during the day, eliminating the need for additional lighting.
Aesthetically, the flowing white curves complement the blue sky and white clouds, becoming iconic features of the toll stations. At night, under lighting, the membrane roofs emit a soft glow, creating a warm ambiance. Many drivers and passengers noted that the new canopies make the toll stations appear more modern and international.
Regarding maintenance, the membrane’s self-cleaning function greatly reduces cleaning needs, typically requiring only rainwater rinsing. The steel structure’s corrosion protection is effective, requiring minimal upkeep. The entire facility operates stably with low failure rates, reducing maintenance costs for the operators.
Industry Recognition and User Acclaim
The successful implementation of these projects has significant attention within the industry. Several expressway management units organized visits and inspections, speaking highly of the application effects of membrane structures at toll stations. Industry experts believe these projects successfully integrate architectural aesthetics with functional需求, offering new思路 for transportation infrastructure construction.
User feedback was most direct. A representative from an expressway company stated: “The canopies built by Kaifort are not only beautiful in appearance but also of solid quality. They have withstood several tests of strong winds and heavy rain without any issues. The construction organization was also very professional, causing minimal disruption to our toll operations.”
Toll operators felt the difference most keenly. “We used to dread working in summer. Now, with this canopy, it’s much cooler, and the working environment has greatly improved.” “The white color is very pleasing; it lifts our mood seeing it every day.”
Feedback from passing drivers was practical. “This new canopy is very classy, like those airport terminals.” “Having a shaded area while queuing确实 makes the wait feel more comfortable.”
Experience Summary: Further Enhancement of Professional Capability
Through the practice of this series of projects, Kaifort’s technical and managerial capabilities in the transportation infrastructure field have been further honed and elevated.
The company summarized and developed the “Construction Method for Expressway Toll Station Membrane Structures,” comprising a complete set of technical documents covering design key points, material standards, construction techniques, and quality control. A standardized management system for toll station projects was established, with clear procedures from bidding and contracting to construction organization and final acceptance.
Particularly in construction without service interruption, rich experience was accumulated. A complete set of traffic management, safety protection, and emergency response plans was formed, enabling efficient project completion while ensuring normal toll station operation.
Team building was also strengthened. Through hands-on experience in multiple projects, a group of technical and project management professionals familiar with the characteristics of transportation engineering was cultivated, laying a talent foundation for future business expansion.
Future Outlook: Serving the New Journey of Modern Transportation
With the continued advancement of China’s strategy to build a leading, the expressway network will become more完善的, and service facilities will be continuously upgraded. Membrane structures, with their unique advantages, hold broad application prospects in transportation scenarios like service areas, gas stations, overload control stations, and toll stations.
Kaifort Membrane Structure will continue to focus on the transportation sector, deepening technical research, optimizing product design, and enhancing service levels. The company plans to develop a series of membrane structure products more suited to transportation scenarios, such as canopies integrated with intelligent systems and more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly membrane materials, providing更多优质 membrane structure solutions for modern transportation construction.
These white membrane structure canopies, like pearls inlaid along the expressways, not only bring comfort and convenience to travelers but also reflect the warmth and quality of transportation services. With professionalism and craftsmanship, Kaifort will build safer, more beautiful, and more humanized passage environments at more transportation nodes, contributing its strength to the development of China’s transportation industry.