Close collaboration between our structural engineering team and the architectural team was essential to meet both design goals and safety requirements.
The lobby revitalization involved several intricate challenges that required innovative solutions. First, we coordinated with the architectural and structural teams to assess the existing structure’s condition. A thorough assessment of the existing building’s stiffness allowed us to conceal majority of the exposed hardware within the columns while meeting drift requirements for the tall glass panels.
Another challenge arose from the architectural concept for a total vision vestibule glass wall featuring tall glass fins, large format panels, and a requirement for no visible holes in the glass. We developed custom stainless steel and aluminum fittings which were all concealed within the glass silicone joints to support the weight of the panels. Using structural silicone allowed us to eliminate visible holes, resulting in an uninterrupted appearance.
Podiums for high-rise towers experience significant wind suction forces which created a challenge due to the alignment of the glass fins with respect to the 45-degree turns in the façade. The glass panels were used as shear walls to create stability in the façade to resist these loads, along with structural silicone to avoid having to bolt through the glass.
1 Adelaide exemplifies our successful collaboration with the architectural team. Through innovation and advanced engineering analysis, we revitalized the lobby and enhanced the tower’s design appeal while maintaining structural integrity. This project underscores the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in achieving complex project goals.
