Company:
Span Systems Inc. Manchester, NH

Project Details

Fabric 1

Duraskin B 18089
Producer: Verseidag-Indutex GmbH
Supplier: Verseidag-Indutex GmbH


Engineer Company 1
Span Systems Inc.

Architect Company
KAI Design & Build

Fabrication Company
Span Systems Inc.

Installation Company
Span Systems Inc.


Please describe the project specifications

This dramatic transit project called for twin light rail platform tensile structure canopies in PTFE. The project was to provide shelter for transit passengers along with support for various passenger communications including message boards, speakers & signage. The location at Boyle Ave. & Central West End in St. Louis called for a dramatic & iconic shape destined to become an important feature of the street-scape for decades to come.


What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

The St. Louis Metro team required platform canopies that would suit all the typical requirements of coverage, durability, flexibility and low cost. They also wanted an eye-catching structural shape, including inversion of a typical peaked roof shape, a distinctive, scalloped edge, sloped roof membranes in the long direction and angled columns. The structures were to be mirror images of each other along the central train platform.


What is unique or complex about the project?

The design called for the roof membrane in a V-shape, draining to center drain scuppers rather than the typical perimeter roof drainage. This created unique loading parameters resulting several engineered solutions to make the concept workable while maintaining the design intent. Additionally the combination of columns angled out of vertical and the sloped roof elevations added additional complexity to the structural geometry. The circular center scupper drains whose edges had to match the angled roof fabric were a significant fabrication challenge as well. The project was completed on a tight timeline as all tensile structure work had to be completed prior to installation of overhead train power lines.


What were the results of the project?

Our company was able to perform significant additional engineering and complex fabrication & installation on a tight deadline. Installation was complete less than nine months after contract award. The structure has met all expectations for performance and successfully executed on the challenging design concept.


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