STEEL STRUCTURE FOR ATRIUM

This Atrium of has approximately 2,400 sq. ft. of skylight.

This project was a team effort with many contractors. We were part of the project inception team which consisted of the design of not only the skylight system itself, but also the three-stage guttering system that allowed for the water to be controlled through a customized complex structure.

In the most fundamental configuration, it comprises a series of structural steel frames spanning in one direction and inter-connected via struts, bracing, purlins and girts, over which profiled metal sheeting is installed. Variations on this configuration are possible too.

The building is constructed close to ground level and then stress-erected into the final shape via prestressing strands located in the bottom chord of each frame.

The design has an undulated, four-sided, flush glazed, three-staged, guttered skylight system which creates a wave-like curved look across the skylight. All the different corners and rafters follow the angles of the curved steel structure within a 3/4” tolerance, allowing for the skylight’s wave design.

The skylight was fabricated and unitized in our workshop to ensure workmanship and eliminate errors in the field. It was disassembled for shipment with an assembly outline for the field.

The glazing of the skylight consisted of insulated glass and a structural aluminium panel system throughout the entire unit.

The purpose of the integrated metal panels was not only to add to the aesthetics, but also to help minimize unwanted heat gain in the space below.

This skylight is a four-sided flush glazed system designed to eliminate unsightly pressure caps on the exterior and also prevent and capture unwanted debris or inhibit water properly flowing across the face of the skylight.

This project utilized Building Integrating Modelling (BIM) through the entire design, fabrication and erection process which eliminated any fabrication or installation errors and/or concerns. The skylight and glazing materials were installed successfully.

The resulting purpose designed clear span buildings are suitable for aircraft hangars, bulk storage, warehouses, sports and recreation facilities and, in fact, anywhere there is a requirement for cost effective column free covered space. If required, further information and numerous examples of buildings completed can be provided.

The steel fabrication and installation work in a steel-structured building project account for 20% of the entire construction cost. In estimating construction costs, a few parameters are more significant than work item productivity.

The effect of the productivity differences on total construction cost was approximately 10%. The productivity improvements and amended Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) are attributable to the technology advancements in equipment and construction methods over the past two decades. The results from this case study will improve the reliability and accuracy of cost estimation in future steel works.