In a nuclear fuel rod consolidation structure a storage canister (12) has a grid structure (14) positioned in its interior. The grid structure (14) is provided with a plurality of hexagonally shaped individual cells (20) in a triangular pitch array to provide nearly a two to one consolidation ratio. The grid structure (14) provides positive radial support to the fuel rods to maintain the triangular pitch array if the canister (12) is not fully loaded or some of the fuel rods are removed. The positive guidance allows use of an existing rod pulling device for loading fuel rods into the structure.