Method and apparatus for assembling a three-dimensional structural component

A method for assembling at least one body section of a large scale structural component, said body section including at least one support grid and a plurality of prefabricated wall sections including a top wall section (10), side wall sections (4, 5), and a bottom wall section (8), said method comprising the following steps:

• (a) prefabricating said wall sections (4, 5, 8, 10), and said at least one support grid (2, 3),
• (b) mounting a central assembly core (1) to two end supports (12, 13) for said central assembly core (1),
• (c) releasably securing said at least one support grid (2 or 3) to said central assembly core (1),
• (d) first positioning said prefabricated side wall sections (4, 5) for mounting to said at least one support grid (2, 3),
• (e) permanently securing said prefabricated side wall sections (4, 5) to said at least one support grid,
• (f) second positioning said prefabricated top wall section (10) and said prefabricated bottom wall section (8) for mounting to said prefabricated side wall sections (4, 5),
• (g) permanently securing said prefabricated top wall section (10) and said prefabricated bottom wall section (8) to said prefabricated side wall sections (4, 5) to form at least one body section of said structural component, and
• (h) removing said central assembly core from said at least one body section, whereby said at least one support grid becomes an integral part of said at least one body section of said large scale structural component and using internal and external jigs is avoided.