SPINNING AND ROLLING STRUCTURES

Daniel Van Cuyk, SE | Project Manager

Most structures are anchored down to concrete foundations embedded in the earth and they are intended to never move. If they do, then you’ve probably got a serious problem.

But what if you need your structure to rotate or roll?

Call Caruso Turley Scott, our team has designed multiple projects with these demands with excellent results. A couple of recent examples include the Carousel Theater within the OdySea in the Desert Aquarium, Scottsdale, AZ and the Telescope Enclosure at Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ.

The Carousel Theater at OdySea had multiple challenges to overcome such as how to make an oblong pit round, how to level the adjacent floor so that it always lines up with a moving structure, and how to provide power and HVAC to a moving structure.

Intense coordination was required between CTS and the Architect, General Contractor, and the Mechanical and Electrical Engineers in order to get everything to work together harmoniously. Structurally, the circular framing, the moving supports and the dynamic loading were the greatest challenges to overcome.

The Telescope Enclosure at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff Arizona protects a series of ground-mounted telescopes from the forces of nature during the day, so they can be used (weather permitting) at night. The entire building bears on a set of train wheels that ride along train tracks embedded in the ground on continuous concrete foundations. This allows the entire building to be rolled away at night to allow for the use of the telescopes.

Drainage and maintenance of the train tracks without making them tripping hazards, and maintenance and access to the train wheels when covered by wall panels were both tricky logistical issues. Dynamic, wind and snow loads on a moving structure that is not anchored to the ground while moving also made this a very complicated and satisfying project to engineer.

So regardless of whether you need your structure stationary, rolling or rotating, Caruso Turley Scott has the expertise and creativity to make your dream a reality.

Remember call CARUSO TURLEY SCOTT
We absolutely can help you!
480.774.1700

How do you maintain a safe and operational building while removing a crucial element of the building’s structure?

Call Caruso Turley Scott Structural Engineers!

Mike Farmer, SE | Project Manager

Caruso Turley Scott (CTS) and BCS Enterprises (a highly skilled demolition consultant) were presented with this seemingly impossible challenge on the Florence Elementary School Gymnasium Addition. Not only did a bearing wall supporting 72 foot-long trusses need to be removed but the owner/contractor also stipulated:

• It needed to be done without damaging the existing floor.
• It needed limited removal and damage to the 30+ year ceiling.
• The general contractor needed enough room to install new foundations and beams.
• AND most importantly the gymnasium had to remain functional.

Fortunately, for the owner and our client, our structural team has extensive knowledge and experience in providing structural shoring solutions. To meet all of the owner’s requirements, and ensure that the roof and ceiling would not come tumbling down during the demolition process; our highly trained engineers diligently reviewed the existing drawings and worked hand and hand with BCS to provide a shoring system solution that worked for all aspects of the team’s requirements.

CTS designed custom brackets that supported the 72 foot-long TJG trusses (wood chorded trusses with steel webs) away from the existing bearing wall. These brackets allowed the trusses to securely attach to the shoring for both gravity loads (the existing roofing ceiling, and mechanical weight) and also wind loading. The wind loading was required in case an unforeseen wind gust got under the open structure and then tried to lift the roof structure off!

Special shoring designs that utilized a system of transfer beams and shoring towers were also provided to ensure the towers did not destabilize the soil during excavation for the new footings. Once the brackets, transfer beams and shoring towers were installed, BCS began the demolition process and the contractor was then able to successfully install the new beams and foundations to support the new design configuration.

Shoring is critical when any repairs or alterations are made to a building, and CTS was able to successfully and efficiently assist BCS Enterprises in this situation.

Remember call CARUSO TURLEY SCOTT
We absolutely can help you!
480.774.1700

David Troxell, SE | Project Manager

Before you decide on a repair solution, you should call in a structural engineer to assess the severity and cause of damaged structural concrete. Some cracks might not need attention while others could have serious consequences.

Repairing cracked or spalled concrete in commercial buildings may seem like an obvious solution to keep Ownership costs down. However, if the underlying damage is severe, the more economical solution over the long term may be to tear everything down or out and then rebuild or replace.

Our structural team has extensive knowledge and experience in providing structural concrete repair solutions.

Although non-structural cracks are not detrimental to building integrity, they may need to be addressed for cosmetic reasons. Proactive steps should be taken to prevent those cracks from growing and eventually reaching the structural stage.

We routinely team up with local proficient concrete repair contractors to ensure the best options and economical solutions are shared with our clients.

Remember call CARUSO TURLEY SCOTT
we absolutely can help you!
480.774.1700

Our Engineer was asked to review a distressed Canopy Column, and to provide a structural solution.

In this instance, we can see what happens when steel is in direct contact with soil, and why it should be encased in concrete below grade.

Remember, call CARUSO TURLEY SCOTT
We can absolutely help you 480.774.1700.