Taiku System Selection Guide: Three Core Parameters for Cold Storage Structural Scheme

Cold storage structural scheme selection often determines the operational efficiency of a project for the next 20 years. The Taiku large-span post-tensioned flat slab system is not suitable for all cold storage scenarios. Its applicability and specifications depend on a comprehensive evaluation of three core parameters.

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Parameter 1: Building Area and Plan Shape

Basic Judgment: Cold storage facilities with a single-building area of 5,000 m² or more are the priority application scope for large-span solutions.

For small cold storage facilities, the benefits of increased storage capacity from large spans are limited, while the design and construction costs of post-tensioned structures are relatively fixed, resulting in lower overall cost-effectiveness. The larger the area, the more significant the optimization benefits for rack layout due to a reduction of over 60% in columns, making the large-span solution increasingly advantageous.

Plan shape also affects scheme selection. Regular rectangular plans are most conducive to large-span solutions, as prestressing tendons can be arranged uniformly in both directions, making design and construction most economical. Plans with many recesses or irregular shapes require supplementary analysis in local areas but generally do not affect overall applicability.

Practical Recommendation: During the scheme comparison phase, compare the effective storage capacity of the large-span solution (10–14 m column spacing) with that of the traditional small-column grid (7–9 m column spacing). Typically, the large-span solution can increase effective storage capacity by over 20%, directly translating into potential revenue growth—a key decision factor for owners.

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Parameter 2: Number of Stories and Floor Height Requirements

Basic Judgment: Multi-story cold storage facilities (3 stories or more) have a stronger need for large-span solutions.

The more stories, the greater the impact of floor height on total building height. Compared to traditional waffle slab floors, the post-tensioned flat slab system saves approximately 800 mm of structural height per floor. For an 8-story cold storage facility, this means a total height reduction of 6.4 m, leading to significant cumulative economic benefits from reduced refrigeration energy consumption and savings in curtain wall and insulation materials.

For single- or two-story small cold storage facilities, the height savings are limited, and more weight can be given to other parameters during selection.

Special Considerations for Multi-Story Cold Storage:
For high-rise cold storage facilities exceeding 10 stories, structural design must incorporate systematic analysis of lateral loads (wind, seismic), and coordination between the post-tensioned flat slab and the overall lateral force-resisting system is critical. BICP has accumulated design and construction experience in high-rise cold storage projects such as Yantian Port (structural height 64 m) and Suzhou Tianhuan Phase II Building C (structural height 68.1 m), providing technical support for similar projects.

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Parameter 3: Rack Type and Automation Level

Basic Judgment: The higher the racks and the greater the automation level, the stronger the demand for large spans.

The type of cold storage rack system directly affects structural column grid requirements:

Traditional Pallet Racks (Manual Forklift Operation): Forklift aisle widths typically require 3–4 m. The number of rack rows is limited by column spacing. In small-column grids, columns cutting through aisles and affecting rack arrangement are most problematic. Large-span solutions significantly increase planning freedom for forklift aisles and rack rows.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): AS/RS stacker cranes require high installation precision for rails. The spacing between adjacent rack rows is precisely determined by the rack system specifications, and the structural column grid must exactly match the rack layout. BICP's BIM collaborative analysis service enables precise alignment of rack layout and column grid dimensions during the planning and design phase, avoiding later conflicts.

Refrigerated Robots (AGV/AMR): Cold storage AGV systems require ample clear floor width. The reduction in columns from large spans directly provides more space for AGV path planning.

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Comprehensive Evaluation Examples

Cold Storage Type	Area	Stories	Rack Type	Large-Span Recommendation
Small General Cold Storage	<3,000 m²	1–2	Manual Pallet	Limited cost-effectiveness; evaluate case by case
Medium Multi-Story Cold Storage	5,000–20,000 m²	3–6	Manual Forklift	Significant overall benefits; recommend evaluation
Large High-Rise Cold Storage	>20,000 m²	7+	Automated Racks	Priority solution; requires BIM collaborative design
AS/RS Fully Automated Cold Storage	Any	Any	Stacker Crane	Custom column grid dimensions required; precise rack matching

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Scheme Validation Recommendations

Before finalizing the structural scheme, owners are advised to submit the following basic information to BICP for preliminary technical solutions and comprehensive benefit assessment:

• Planned cold storage building area and plan dimensions
• Planned number of stories and floor height requirements
• Rack supplier and rack system specifications (if determined)
• Seismic fortification intensity at the project site

Based on this information, BICP will use the iBLM TaiShu Cloud AI-assisted decision system to output preliminary multi-scheme comparison analysis within a short time, helping owners make informed structural selection decisions during the planning phase.