Structural design of the transfer tower at the Heidelberg Materials cement plant in Matera
As part of the revamping and modernization project of the Heidelberg Materials plant in Matera, Sismica360 handled the structural design of the material transfer tower commissioned by Entsorga S.p.A..
The structure of the Transfer Tower consists of a steel frame with a rectangular layout across three levels of platforms, which support the equipment, systems, and machinery used in the plant.
The tower’s static scheme is composed of three moment-resisting frames in the transverse direction and two braced frames with V and inverted V bracing systems in the longitudinal direction.
Profile optimization was achieved through a phased construction design approach, allowing the structure to be analyzed in relation to the different load conditions expected at each stage of construction.
The design was articulated into the following phases:
- Preliminary sizing and Finite Element Modeling of the structure;
- Linear dynamic analyses to assess the global seismic behavior;
- Construction phase design to optimize profiles;
- Strength, global, and local stability verifications;
- Design of ground connections and structural joints.
