“…this fine stadium demonstrates how, by working as key members of the design and construction team and through the use of simple yet innovative solutions to complex challenges, engineers can both conceptualise and deliver the integrated design of a fully-functioning large capacity, multi-use project…”

This project responded to a challenging brief for a compact yet pleasing design that could be built in a constrained residential setting next to major Network Rail and London Underground lines. The combination of in situ reinforced concrete for the lower levels, structural steelwork for the upper layers and roof, and precast concrete terracing allowed for a well-sequenced programme of on and off-site construction that enabled the early completion of the project.

Complex geometric studies optimised the form of the seating for good viewing quality, safety and comfort. The roof was similarly developed to optimise the micro-climate for the pitch, the atmosphere for spectators, and to control height and massing. The dished shape, with most of the structure above the roofing, maximises the sunlight on the pitch and provides good acoustic reflections of the crowd noise. The triangular tubular steel trusses are elegantly formed and give a pleasingly thin line around the outer edge.

The engineering design was developed in a manner that recognised that site-acquisition would be phased. The demanding time scale led to lower levels being constructed flexibly, while upper-tier and flat-roof elements were manufactured off site, ready to be delivered as soon as the supporting elements were completed.

This fine stadium demonstrates how, by working as key members of the design and construction team and through the use of simple yet innovative solutions to complex challenges, engineers can both conceptualise and deliver the integrated design of a fully-functioning, large capacity, multiuse project.

“…the complex brief included a 46,500m² long span roof structure, the central portion of which retracts to reveal a football-field sized opening…”

The new University of Phoenix Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona, presents a multi-purpose facility where structural engineers have crafted a variety of innovative and architecturally expressive structural systems that contribute to a new resource for the community that can be used all year round.

The stadium design successfully integrates structural, functional and aesthetic requirements using a close collaboration between designers, fabricators and erectors, so that the structure was designed from the outset to accommodate the erection procedure. The complex brief included a 46,500m2 long span roof structure, the central portion of which retracts to reveal a football-field sized retractable roof, and a playing field that can be slid from outside to inside, under the 76m long south wall. The process, which takes just an hour, reveals a state-of-the art convention floor beneath the playing field, allowing for continuous use of the stadium all week long and all year round. A building wall support structure spans the full 76m width of the south face of the stadium, allowing the operable field to pass smoothly underneath.

The internal form is dominated by the two lenticular trusses that span the length of the stadium and support the rails for the retractable roof. The arrangement of the secondary steelwork was kept pleasingly simple. The overall result is impressively economical and unpretentious.

“…the building uses curved glulam beams, tapered circular cigar shaped glulam columns under the solid timber roof…”

This delicate timber swimming pool building is formed from overlapping shells that allow a clerestory window to throw indirect light into the pool hall. Lateral stability is provided by the structural form, along with the use of a solid timber roof deck 75mm thick, which eliminated the need for any cross bracing.

The building uses curved glulam beams, tapered circular cigar shaped glulam columns under the solid timber roof. Careful positioning of columns and the use of pairs of glulam beams reduced the structural depth while also allowing for discrete connections between columns and beams. The space between the pair of beams is used to conceal steel fixing plates and to overcome the high stress concentrations at the connections. Detailing of the junctions and connections was critical to the success of the design. This is a well detailed building that appears to be light, airy and welcoming.

“…this is a technically challenging structure, with its complex retractable roof hung from the iconic, inclined, basket-weave lattice steel arch…”

With its stunning arch spanning 315m visible from over 20km, the new Wembley Stadium stands out as a landmark on London's skyline. This is a technically challenging structure, with its complex retractable roof hung from the iconic, inclined, basket-weave lattice steel arch, itself stabilised by a series of cables and back-stays.

The main bowstring trusses of the retractable roof span up to 150 metres north to south, and are supported at the northern end on the leading edge of the north roof and, ultimately, the arch. The trusses are retained laterally by a slender, tensioned cable system. The perimeter of the roof is supported on a prismatic ring truss that is propped from the main stadium bowl structure.

Extensive non-linear analysis was required, both of the final design and of the structure during construction. The resulting structural system is impressively slender.