Three Indonesian Large-Scale Stadium Roofs: A Comparison of Steel Construction Methods

Concrete is the most commonly used building material in Indonesian construction. However, steel offers a more practical, cost-effective alternative for projects prioritizing affordability. Due to the superior strength-to-weight ratio per volume, steel is beneficial for structures where minimizing self-weight plays a significant role, such as roofs. Exploring the structural systems and construction methods for large-scale steel roof constructions in Indonesia will inspire innovation. This exploration will focus on three projects completed between 2021 and 2022, namely the Istora Papua Bangkit Stadium in Papua, with a diameter of 85 m; the UMS Edutorium Stadium in Surakarta, measuring 88 m×104 m; and the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), featuring the largest roof span at 266 m. These large steel roofs use a dome structure system that utilizes an axial force mechanism to increase efficiency. However, a large lateral force at the supports was a key engineering challenge that required analysis. The dome structures of the three buildings offered unique solutions for handling large lateral forces at their supports. The first design used a robust concrete structure to handle lateral loads, showing the need for numerous large supports. The second design uses a tension ring structure to stabilize the support system, balance horizontal forces, and create a tensile force inside the ring, ensuring that the reactions are mostly vertical. The third design prioritizes specific structures, such as tied-arch systems with special prestressing cables. These innovative solutions underscore the versatility of steel construction, showing the adaptability to various design challenges and providing valuable insights for engineers aiming for their expertise and perspectives.