Aircraft maintenance hanger, Qatar
Courtesy Ghafari Architects

Aircraft hangars, stadium, and arena roofs are examples of long-span building structures that require special expertise and consultation in design and construction. Long spans demand close attention to unbalanced loads, whether from wind pressures, snow drifts or construction materials acting on the roof, or from work platform, crane, or scoreboard loads hung from roof framing. Construction of these structures becomes complex and a significant driver of both cost and schedule. For sports venues and aviation facilities around the world, we work to improve the speed and accuracy of estimating and delivering complex structures via Building Information Modeling and other specialized software.

Contact us for more information.

Convention Center, Hong Kong

Long span structural systems vary widely and often include unusual and innovative features. As peer reviewers, when commenting on a design by others, our multidisciplinary team first evaluates the appropriateness of the proposed design rather than pushing a favorite approach. Our structural specialists consider constructability of the proposed design and suggest improvements where appropriate. We also help broaden the design team’s perspective by presenting other possible approaches for consideration.

Contact us for more information.

Retractable roof study, New York

Feasibility studies for long-span structures most often involve review of an existing structure for possible modifications. Owners ask if they can “raise the roof” both figuratively and literally, to increase seating or add luxury skyboxes. They may wish to suspend rigging loads in locations or quantities not anticipated in the original design. Whatever the question, they always want an answer quickly. Our experience with a wide variety of structural systems enables us to rapidly determine the key aspects of the study and to provide a timely, thoughtful response.

Contact us for more information.

Pepsi Arena roof design, Denver

Achieving economical long-span building structures requires a deep understanding of the key relationships among framing concepts, construction sequences, fabrication processes and erection methods. Our extensive and varied long-span experiences enables us to smoothly assist and collaborate with the rest of the design and construction team, whether discussing efficiency of structural forms, capabilities of advanced fabrication methods or critical erection issues that can drive construction costs and schedules.

Contact us for more information.