Structural Steel Cast Connections
CASE STUDY: UNIVERSAL PIN CONNECTORS AT THE WHITNEY MUSEUM OF ART,
NEW YORK, NY
Universal Pin Connectors used in architecturally exposed X-braces
Owner: Whitney Museum
Architects: Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Cooper, Robertson & Partners
Structural Engineers: Robert Silman Associates
Construction Manager: Turner Construction
Steel Fabricator: Banker Steel Company
Casting supplier: CAST CONNEX
The new Whitney Museum building is a 200,000-square-foot building in downtown Manhattan. Located on Gansevoort Street between West Street and the High Line, it will include more than 50,000 square feet of indoor galleries and 13,000 square feet of outdoor exhibition space on a series of rooftops facing the High Line. The dramatically cantilevered entrance along Gansevoort Street will shelter an 8,500-square-foot outdoor plaza. Universal Pin Connectors were selected by the architectural team for the first floor exposed steel braces in keeping with the artistic nature of the surroundings.
Photos courtesy of Terri Meyer Boake
CASE STUDY: HIGH-STRENGTH CONNECTORS AT UMASS AMHERST PRESS AND SKY BOX,
AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS
High-Strength Connectors Used in Architecturally Exposed Support Frames
Owner: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Architects: Perkins+Will
Structural Engineers: LeMessurier Consultants
General Contractor: Consigli Construction
Steel Fabricator: Beauce Atlas
Casting Supplier: CAST CONNEX
High-strength connectors are featured predominantly in the architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS) support frames for the Martin and Richard Jacobson Football Press and Skybox Complex at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Though the press box extends over the stands, the complex is structurally independent from the existing Stadium. The AESS—including the braces, struts, and ties fitted with high-strength connectors—is galvanized. Smooth tension control (TC) bolts are used in conjunction with the connectors for an improved aesthetic.
Photos courtesy of Perkins+Will and LeMessurier Consultants
CASE STUDY: CUSTOM CASTINGS AT QUEEN RICHMOND CENTRE WEST,
TORONTO, ONTARIO
Cast Steel Nodes for Architecturally Exposed Delta Frames Supporting a Multi-Story Building
Owner: Allied Properties REIT
Architects: Sweeny, Sterling, Finlayson & Co. Architects
Structural Engineers: Stephenson Engineering
Construction Manager / General Contractor: Eastern Construction
Steel Fabricator / Erector: Walters
Casting Engineering, Detailing, and Supply: CAST CONNEX
This world-class development includes both the modernization of an existing historic Toronto building and the construction of a new multi-story, reinforced concrete office building perched atop three, 70-foot-tall, architecturally exposed structural steel “delta frames.” The cast steel manufacturer provided design-build services for the unique 35,000-pound cast steel nodes that form the central kernel points of the delta frames. The three delta frames are primary elements in the gravity and lateral force resisting systems for the building, with each cast steel node carrying well over 20 million pounds of force.
Photos courtesy of CAST CONNEX and Allied Properties REIT
Conclusion
Architects and engineers have the opportunity and freedom to create architecturally exposed steel structures that yield new aesthetics, exceptional performance, and economical buildings. Cast steel connections provide an exciting outlet for creativity in design and can be a key to achieving successful end results by helping to produce designs that are structurally adequate, architecturally appropriate, and readily constructed. By working with professionals in this field preferably in the design process but certainly in the construction process, choices can be made that result in economical yet elegant casting designs that enhance the full building.
Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is a nationally known architect, sustainability consultant, technical writer, and continuing education presenter. www.linkedin.com/in/pjaarch
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CAST CONNEX is the leading supplier of cast steel components for use in buildings and bridges. Their components simplify the design and enhance the performance of structures. They take pride in collaborating in the creation of safer, innovative, and more beautiful built environments. www.castconnex.com |
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