New Layout 2

TENSILE CONSTRUCTION

THE OLYMPIC STADIUM IN MUNICH, GERMANY

TENSILE CONSTRUCTION

OLYMPIAPARK The Olympic Stadium in Munich, Gemany, done by the engineer Frei Otto for the 1972 Olympics, is an example of a surface stressed structure. This structure uses acrylic glass stablized by steel cables that are in tension. The idea was to symbolize the alps with its white transparent shield. This new form of structure has opened up many new possibilities in the 20th and 21st centuries with its flexibility for newshapes and forms that traditional hard-surfaced materials cannot provide.

TENSILE CONSTRUCTION

MEMBRANE MATERIALS: Fiberglass, Polyester and Steel Cable These materials enable a building to take on different forms that traditional steel, masonry and wood construction do not allow. The acrylic glass is cut and placed in tension within the steel cables that are connected to steel masts which in turn are secure to the ground. These materials working together cause the structure to be in tension.

TENSILE CONSTRUCTION

OLYMPIAPARK STRUCTURAL SYSTEM The steel structural system of the tension cables is simple in theory, but very complex when putting all of the components, such as the acrylic glass, supporting masts, and joints, together forming a holistic unit that is harmoniously in tension and compression. In the Olympic Stadium there are a series of masts supporting steel cables, which hold the glass in place. A repetition of these accross the stadium forms a set pattern in which all of the cableswork together. The cable must change direction and be bolted together before going directly to the membrane from the steel mast. These steelbrackets give the support needed for the cables to remain in tension, while pulling with the same amount of force needed to attain the desired shape of the membrane without causing too much stress.

TENSILE CONSTRUCTION

STUDY MODEL In the first study model we used flower arrangment wire for our cables and main support structure. We also used a thicker wire for the main connection in the front of the section and hot glue for the connection places. As for the material used to cover the section we used a stretchable mesh fabric and for the base we used instalation foam. All of these materials worked well for beginning stages, but for the next study model we decided to use stronger materials and a sturdier base.

TENSILE CONSTRUCTION

STUDY MODEL In our second study model we used a thicker steel pole for the structural system. Large wooden rods made up the mast and small steel cable made up the cables. Another thicker steel cable made up the main front connection. We anchored everything into the plywood using eyehooks and we drilled angled holes for the masts. These materials worked well together, but the scale was not working well with the natural tension and compression of the structure. Therefor for the final model we will use thinner cables and a thicker main front connection for a more stable support.