The United States Air Force Memorial – Use of impact dampers to control wind induced vibrations

Author: D. Powell and P. McCafferty (Arup)

Date published

2 May 2012

Price

Standard: £10 + VAT
Members/Subscribers: Free

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The United States Air Force Memorial – Use of impact dampers to control wind induced vibrations

Tag
Author
D. Powell and P. McCafferty (Arup)
Date published
2 May 2012
Price

Standard: £10 + VAT
Members/Subscribers: Free

The Structural Engineer
Author

D. Powell and P. McCafferty (Arup)

Citation

The Structural Engineer, Volume 90, Issue 5, 2012, Page(s) 5

Date published

2 May 2012

Author

D. Powell and P. McCafferty (Arup)

Citation

The Structural Engineer, Volume 90, Issue 5, 2012, Page(s) 5

Price

Standard: £10 + VAT
Members/Subscribers: Free

The United States Air Force Memorial (USAFM), overlooking the Pentagon in Washington DC, comprises three stainless steel spires which evoke an image of aircraft in a ‘bomb-burst’ manoeuvre. The elegance and simplicity of their architectural form belies the complexity of their engineering design. Structurally they consist of a stiffened stainless steel shell with the lower two thirds of each filled with concrete. A second component, essential to the integrity of the structure, is also hidden by the steel skin; a series of large, steel-coated spheres, free to roll in oversized padded boxes, are located inside each spire. The purpose of these ‘impact dampers’ is to stabilise the motions of the spires in high winds. This article provides an overview of the spire structures and focuses on the challenges encountered during the design, development and test of the damping devices.

Additional information

Format:
PDF
Pages:
5
Publisher:
The Institution of Structural Engineers

Tags

Project Focus Issue 5

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