Project Challenge:
As one of the most environmentally concerned and "green"
cities in the country, the City of Chicago wanted to implement
a new green roof system atop the historic Chicago Cultural Center.
In order to accomplish this goal Klein and Hoffman (K&H)
was selected as the creative structural engineering consultant
to ensure that the goal could be achieved.
Project Solution:
K&H conducted a feasibility study to determine the existing
framing system and proposed strengthening concepts to implement
the proposed green roof system.
K&H selected an unusual, and yet practical application
of external post-tensioning. Careful attention was given to
the fact that historic plaster ceilings below were connected
to the existing truss system.
After designing many variations of the final solution to
accommodate existing conditions, K&H successfully conducted
a load test and demonstrated that the external steel cables
effectively reversed the stresses in the truss and permitted
the additional load created by the components of the new green
roof.
ARCHITECT: Bauer Latoza Studios
OWNER/CLIENT: City of Chicago
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