Star performance

With fully tested RESTON®SA shock absorbers protecting it, the starfish-shaped terminal building of Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport can be expected to fulfil its role as a major transportation hub for southern China following even a major earthquake

Upon completion in 2019, Qingdao City’s new airport will be the largest airport in Shandong province, capable of handling 35 million passengers per year. To protect its elegant and distinctive terminal building from seismic ground movements and other potentially destructive influences, its main concrete frame is being stabilised by steelwork bracing, connected to the frame by viscous dampers (shock absorbers). The 136 required hydraulic dampers, of type RESTON®SA, were designed in accordance with a combination of Chinese and European standards, with a maximum capacity of 1,400 kN and a stroke of +/- 60 mm. Prototype testing of four specimens was carried out at Tongji University, and factory production control testing of every unit was carried out at Sismalab (Shanghai), mageba’s in-house seismic testing facility – ensuring that the hydraulic dampers, installation of which has been recently completed, will perform well throughout their long service life with little or no maintenance.

Designer: China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Corp., Ltd, Atkins of SNC-Lavalin Group
Contractor: Chinese Construction Eighth Engineering Bureau
Owner: Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport Construction Headquarters

The terminal building of Qingdao International Airport in Shandong province, China has a distinctive starfish shape (Image: © qingdaonews.com)

RESTON®SA shock absorbers (viscous dampers) as fabricated in mageba’s Shanghai factory

The dampers were subjected to comprehensive testing before delivery, with prototype testing of four specimens at Tongji University and factory production control (FPC) testing of every unit at Sismalab (Shanghai)

Installation of a RESTON®SA shock absorber on site

When fully installed, typically in pairs connecting steelwork bracing to the building’s concrete frame, the 136 RESTON®SA shock absorbers will protect the airport against seismic ground movements etc.

A fully installed RESTON®SA shock absorber