Construction Analysis and Monitoring of Complex Prestressed Steel Structure

Abstract The emergence of large and complex prestressed structures has become an inevitable trend with the progress of society and technology. However, these structures are susceptible to higher probabilities of safety incidents during construction due to various influencing factors. Hence, structural monitoring is imperative to ensure smooth construction progress and safe structural utilization. This study investigated the construction process of complex prestressed steel structure on the basis of the west watchtower of Yingtian Gate site protection exhibition project. The upper structure of the west watchtower is supported by inclined columns. Under the action of structural dead weight and construction load, a large horizontal thrust is generated at the column foot. Prestressed foundation beams are installed between the pile caps to balance the horizontal component of the upper structure because of the limited horizontal bearing capacity of pile foundation. Construction monitoring of the west watchtower was conducted through numerical analysis to ensure that measured horizontal displacement of pile caps is small, and the pile is in a safe state. The inclined column and the prestressed foundation beam, moreover, are within the limits. The prestressed construction of the west watchtower was successfully completed under rigorous numerical analysis and precise construction monitoring.