Modeling Complete for Pier Six Wind Tunnel Testing

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

The modeling team has completed its work and the wind tunnel testing has begun for the Pier Six Amphitheater in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. This work is being done by the Budapest Technical University's Department of Fluid Mechanics at the Theodore von Kármán Wind Tunnel Laboratory. This analysis is essential to ensure top performance of a large Tensile Membrane Structure, especially at a site like this, on the waterfront, in a built urban environment. Note the detail of the surrounding area including a model of the 30-story Marriot Hotel beyond which will affect the behavior of wind in the area.

Span Systems is refurbishing the structural steel and installing a new tensile membrane on this - now 20-year-old iconic structure. A new engineering analysis is being performed to ensure continuing compliance with building codes. The refurbished structure will maintain its status as one of the treasured sites on Baltimore's popular Inner Harbor Waterfront.

Miramar Regional Amphitheater Nearly Complete

MIRAMAR, FL

The newest amenity at the Miramar Regional Park, the Miramar Amphitheater, designed and built by Span Systems is nearing completion. Construction of the twin-mast structure began late last yearand the fabric erection started January 2. Designed to hold an audience of over 3000, this dramatic, lightweight structure will be the centerpiece of this regional park serving the residents of Miramar, Pembroke, Miami Gardens and other communities in this area between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.

To accommodate a large stage house and proscenium the roof appears to tilt back, providing a unique and attractive silhouette that has been well-received by the City of Miramar. A main design and construction challenge was to incorporate the high stage house roof under the fabric envelope while managing the wind loads necessary for such a structure in South Florida. The look of the structure was inspired by the St. Augustine Pavilion, also designed and built by Span Systems, 300 miles up the coast of Florida.

Platform Canopies at 9th St. Station Installed

CHARLOTTE, NC

Span Systems' installation of ten freestanding platform canopies at the LYNX 9th St. Station is nearing completion. This project, for the Charlotte Area Transit System's light rail network, will be a prominent public transit amenity in downtown Charlotte. These custom platform furnishings have three basic roofshapes. They will protect passengers from the elements as well as providing a unique and iconic visual presentation for passengers, local workers, and residents.

Span Systems' challenge was to engineer the complex, assymetrical roof shapes designed specifically for this station by the owner. In addition to elaborate fabric patterning requirements, the roofs involved steel frames rolled at several different radii and unusual structural support geometry that made these structures, although relatively small, a complicated task to engineer, fabricate and install.

Blue Hills Bank Pavilion: Fabric Replaced, Structure Refurbished

BOSTON, MA

The Span Systems designed and built Tensile Structure, known these days as The Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, has been Boston's premiere summertime concert venue for over 20 years. The current structure was installed by Span Systems in 1997. In 2015 Span Systems was contracted to replace the fabric which had reached its designed end-of-life. The owners also took this opportunity to have Span Systems to completely refurbish all steel components and redesign some critical connection points to provide greater structural efficiency and longer life span.

Span Systems replaced the original roof material with state-of-the-art Ferrari TX-30 PVC coated polyester for another 20 years of exceptional performance. Span Systems began dismantling the structure in October of 2015 after the final performance of the year. The tripod supports were removed and sent to Texas for sandblasting & repainting. The refurbished building was open for business for local school graduation ceremonies in May 2016, and hosted a full schedule of summer concerts.

North County Transfer Station Is Now Open

FERGUSON, MO

The new bus transfer center has opened on Pershall Road in Ferguson, MO, part of the greater Metro St. Louis area. It features ten iconic Tensile Membrane Structures, designed, engineered and installed by Span Systems. They are arranged in two rows of five tensile roofs designed to provide to shelter for bus passengers. The structures are a useful and attractive public amenity destined to become a landmark for the general bus riding public throughout the greater St. Louis Metro region.

The design of the structures is meant to invoke the look of 19th century wagon trains as settlers headed west to the American frontier. This is especially appropriate for the City of St. Louis, long known as the "Gateway to the West." It was the jumping-off-point for so many pioneers of the west. The structures pay homage to the many thousands who passed through the city on their way west. ARCHITECT: STV/KAI Joint Venture GENERAL CONTRACTOR: C. Rallo