Case Study
Advanced Structural Design & Steel Engineering
Hybrid steel solution for a high-efficiency logistics facility
Executive Summary
Chenla Agathos delivered a hybrid reinforced concrete and steel structural system for DHL’s Thepharak logistics facility. The solution balanced foundation stability, long-span operational needs, and accelerated construction to meet demanding logistics timelines.
Project Snapshot
- Client
- DHL Thailand
- Location
- Samut Prakan, Thailand
- Site Area
- Approx. 2,500 sqm
- Contract Value
- USD 3.2 million
- Duration
- 12 months (design & construction)
- Services Delivered
- Structural Engineering Design, Value Engineering, Pile Foundation Design, Steel Detailing (Shop Drawings), Construction Oversight, Load Analysis (Wind / Seismic)
The Challenge
The context, constraints, and risks shaping the project from the start.
The project required a structural system capable of performing reliably on soft clay soil while delivering large, column-free spans and meeting an aggressive logistics handover schedule.
Complexity
- High water table and soft clay conditions requiring deep foundation solutions
- Long-span, column-free zones for forklift circulation and storage efficiency
- Compressed construction timeline incompatible with conventional RC superstructures
What Was at Stake
A traditional reinforced concrete approach would have increased foundation risk, slowed construction, and jeopardized DHL’s operational handover commitments.
How Chenla Stepped In
The targeted actions we took to resolve the core issues.
Chenla proposed and engineered a hybrid RC–steel structural system, combining pile-supported reinforced concrete foundations with a prefabricated steel superstructure optimized for long spans and rapid assembly.
Key Actions
- Performed detailed dead, live, wind, and seismic load analysis
- Executed iterative value engineering to minimize steel weight
- Designed a 30-meter long-span steel truss system
- Coordinated bolt-and-nut prefabrication with the steel fabricator
- Managed structural interfaces with architectural and MEP teams
Solution Highlights
What Chenla delivered to address the project's challenges.
Hybrid RC–Steel Strategy
RC foundations ensured stability on soft soil, while steel framing enabled speed and long-span efficiency.
Long-Span Structural Design
A 30-meter truss eliminated internal columns, maximizing usable warehouse space.
Value-Engineered Steel Frame
Member sizes were optimized through analysis to reduce material weight without compromising safety.
Prefabrication & Rapid Assembly
Bolt-and-nut steel detailing enabled fast, precise on-site erection.
Outcomes
What changed for the client as a direct result of our intervention.
Operational Results
- 22 tons of steel saved through value engineering
- 17% reduction in total steel weight
- Structural frame completed approximately 8 months faster
Client Benefits
- Reduced foundation and settlement risk on soft soil
- Earlier operational handover
- 30% increase in usable, column-free floor area
- Lower material and construction costs
PROJECT DOCUMENTATION & OUTPUTS
Long-Span Structural Section
Section drawing illustrating the long-span steel truss system and integrated roof envelope.