The miracle of the world's largest steel dome was built 'at lightning speed' by Vietnamese intelligence

Kim Quy Exhibition House was built at lightning speed, becoming the largest circular exhibition house in the world, the crystallization of Vietnamese intelligence from experience in building a series of world-class projects.

Steel dome marks a record for Vietnamese enterprises in iconic construction - Photo: HIEU GIANG

Tomorrow (August 28), the Vietnam Exhibition Center will officially welcome tens of thousands of visitors with the first exhibition on National Achievements on the occasion of National Day September 2. In particular, the Kim Quy exhibition hall is a testament to the capacity, intelligence of Vietnam and Vietnamese enterprises on the symbolic work of the country.

Giant challenges and technological solutions

One morning in May 2025, in the technical room of the Vietnam Exhibition Center project in Hanoi , the atmosphere was as tense as the final sprint before “G-hour”. On the table were giant drawings of a two-dimensional curved dome, with a diameter of up to 360m and a peak height of 57m.

This is the most important item of the project in the Top 10 largest exhibition centers in the world . The task of Dai Dung Group - the main steel structure contractor, is to turn this architectural idea into reality, in a record short period of time.

Right from the design stage, the steel dome was considered a “super difficult” problem. Not only because of its enormous size in both diameter and height, but also because of the three architectural changes during the construction process, forcing the engineering team to constantly adjust the structural plan.

The time to finalize the final solution was only 1.5 months, while for similar projects, the structural design phase alone can take nearly a year.

To overcome the challenge, Dai Dung has deployed an advanced technical solution system, which is a hollow I-column system to reduce weight but still maintain maximum rigidity; a central column made of round steel pipes as the main load-bearing axis for the entire dome; a R60-R180 space frame connected to a ring beam and a diagonal bracing system to ensure that the entire steel block can withstand level 12 winds and level 7 earthquakes, exceeding international safety standards.

Mr. Trinh Tien Dung - Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Dai Dung Group - said that the enterprise has devoted all its human resources, enthusiasm and intelligence to complete the project soon - Photo: HIEU GIANG

In addition, the components are all "giant" in size, such as 2.4m diameter steel columns, 3 x 6m steel beams with a span of 100m, with a load of tons but are still assembled with absolute precision.

According to this company, each weld and joint is strictly measured and inspected, with an error of no more than 2mm, to ensure maximum stability for the project against all natural impacts.

Mr. Trinh Tien Dung - Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Dai Dung Group - said that hundreds of Dai Dung engineers work day and night in design rooms, simulating structures with advanced 3D software, continuously calculating load-bearing options, deflection, and responses to storms and earthquakes.

"Every decision must meet strict safety standards, because the dome is the most important item, and even a small mistake can delay the entire progress," said Mr. Dung.

Lightning fast progress, symbol of Vietnamese bravery

This is a world-class project in terms of area and scale, architecture and design - Photo: HIEU GIANG

If the technical aspect is a difficult problem, the progress is the biggest pressure because initially the construction was expected to take 2 years, but to serve the exhibition of 80 years of national achievements on September 2, Dai Dung had to complete it in only 10 months, which the business assessed as "an unprecedented feat".

Dai Dung is responsible for 71% of the steel structure volume, equivalent to nearly 15,000 tons, with more than 300 engineers and skilled workers working continuously, in shifts day and night.

On the construction site, the 300-550 ton super-heavy crane system continuously lifts giant steel blocks dozens of meters high, suspended before being "positioned" precisely. Each operation must be calculated in detail and coordinated smoothly to ensure absolute safety and lightning-fast progress.

With experience in constructing steel structures of many iconic projects around the world, Dai Dung has mobilized maximum resources with a streamlined construction strategy and applied maximum technology to speed up progress.

Thanks to that, Dai Dung completed over 95% of the work in just a few months, bringing the project to the finish line on time, in time for the national exhibition.

Mr. Dung said this "lightning speed" is demonstrated by the synchronous transportation of thousands of tons of steel from the factory to the construction site, assembly combined with quality inspection of every millimeter and simultaneously implementing measures to withstand storms and earthquakes according to international standards.

The structure is also designed to withstand force 12 winds, force 7 earthquakes and other extreme weather conditions. This means that the steel dome, despite its size, remains safe and stable in the long term, while minimizing maintenance and risk, ensuring the structure will last for decades.

Chairman Dai Dung: The project is a "symbol of Vietnamese intelligence"

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the Vietnam Exhibition Center project (Dai Dung is in charge of the steel structure category) and gave encouragement to Dai Dung's leaders - Photo: HIEU GIANG

Talking to Tuoi Tre , Mr. Trinh Tien Dung said that the dome is not only a structure of tens of thousands of tons of steel, but also a symbol of Vietnamese intelligence, will and bravery. In each weld, each joint, there are imprints of the hands and minds of engineers and workers who dare to take on the ultimate challenge. This is also a declaration of creativity, quality, rapid progress and bravery of Vietnamese enterprises.

"With this achievement, we have affirmed that when will, technology and discipline are combined, Vietnamese people are completely capable of creating world miracles. Today's steel dome will still be mentioned as a living proof of Vietnamese intelligence and mettle in the modern construction industry," said Mr. Dung.

NGOC HIEN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ky-tich-mai-vom-thep-quy-mo-bac-nhat-the-gioi-duoc-xay-dung-than-toc-boi-tri-tue-viet-20250827102500003.htm