Highway Toll Station Membrane Canopy Project
At the entrance and exit points of expressways, toll stations serve as critical nodes for vehicle passage. The recently completed road toll station membrane structure canopy project by Kaifort Membrane Structure seamlessly blends outstanding functionality with an aesthetically pleasing design, providing an all-weather comfortable environment for passing vehicles and toll booth operators. This project is not merely a functional architectural facility but also a significant showcase of the expressway’s image.
Project Background and Requirements
Expressway toll stations are essential passage points for vehicles entering and exiting highways. Toll booth operators work long shifts within their booths, and queuing vehicles also require adequate shelter. Traditional toll station shading facilities often suffer from monotonous design, insufficient durability, and high maintenance costs. Especially in regions with frequent rain and high summer temperatures, a canopy that effectively provides shade and facilitates rapid rainwater drainage is particularly important.
Located on a crucial traffic high daily traffic flow, this project demanded superior functionality and durability from the canopy. The client required a solution that could withstand long-term sun and rain exposure, maintain a clean and attractive appearance, and feature a short construction cycle with minimal disruption to traffic.
Design Philosophy and Structural Characteristics
Kaifort’s design team conducted thorough on-site research, integrating the actual usage needs of the toll station to propose a design philosophy centered on “function first, aesthetics considered, rapid construction.”
The entire membrane structure canopy employs a large-span design, covering multiple toll lanes. As seen in the project images, the white PVDF membrane roof features an elegant wave-like form. This design is not only visually appealing but also holds significant engineering value. The curved surface effectively guides rainwater for quick runoff, preventing ponding. Simultaneously, the curved shape enhances structural stability, offering to wind loads.
The supporting structure utilizes a Q235 steel framework. All steel components were prefabricated off-site and assembled on location. This modular construction approach significantly reduced on-site work time, minimizing impact on the toll station’s normal operations. The steel structure surface underwent hot-dip galvanizing and fluorocarbon paint coating, providing excellent corrosion resistance suitable for harsh outdoor environments.
Material Selection and Technical Advantages
The roof material selected is high-quality PVDF architectural membrane. This material offers numerous benefits: firstly, it possesses good self-cleaning properties, where rainwater rinsing keeps the surface clean, reducing routine maintenance costs. Secondly, the PVDF coating provides excellent weather resistance, withstanding long-term UV exposure without significant aging or yellowing. Thirdly, the membrane material itself is lightweight, substantially reducing the load on the primary structure.
For connection details, specialized aluminum alloy clamps and stainless steel fasteners were used, ensuring a secure and sealed connection between the membrane and the steel structure. All drainage systems were meticulously designed; rainwater is directed from the membrane surface to edge gutters and then discharged via downpipes, thoroughly any water accumulation issues.
Construction Process and Quality Control
During the project’s construction phase, Kaifort developed a detailed construction organization plan. Considering the toll station’s 24/7 operation, work was scheduled during periods of lower traffic flow, with comprehensive traffic management schemes implemented to ensure normal passage during construction.
Steel structure installation utilized large cranes for segmental lifting and precise positioning. Membrane tensioning was a critical technical step. The construction team used professional tensioning equipment, applying tension gradually according to the design’s prestress requirements to ensure a smooth, taut membrane surface. Experienced engineers directed the entire process on-site, with quality control personnel supervising throughout.
Usage Effectiveness and Client Feedback
Upon project completion, the canopy was immediately put into service. The white membrane roof stands out strikingly in sunlight, becoming a distinctive feature of the toll station. In practical use, the canopy has performed excellently: it significantly reduces temperatures inside the booths during summer, improving the working environment for operators; during rain, both vehicles and personnel remain well-prot and in high winds, the structure remains stable with no abnormalities.
Toll station management personnel stated: “This membrane structure canopy is not only visually appealing but, more importantly, highly practical. The working conditions for our staff have greatly improved, and queuing drivers and passengers are more comfortable. Moreover, it requires almost no maintenance, which is a great convenience for us.”
Professional Value and Industry Significance
The successful implementation of this project demonstrates the unique advantages of membrane structures in transportation infrastructure. Compared to traditional building materials, membrane structure canopies offer benefits like rapid construction, aesthetic design, excellent durability, and easy maintenance, making them particularly suitable for locations like toll stations that require quick construction and have high image requirements.
Kaifort’s professional capabilities and extensive experience showcased in this project provide valuable reference for similar future projects. Every step, from design and construction to material selection and detail handling, reflects a pursuit of quality and a deep understanding of client needs.
This membrane structure entrance/exit canopy is not just a functional building; it is a model of the integration of modern transportation facilities and architectural aesthetics. With its clean lines, pure color, and practical functionality, it offers thoughtful consideration for travelers all directions and adds a commendable landscape feature to the expressway.