Richmond Speed Skating Oval

Project Description

The arches for the Olympic Oval are the longest spanning hybrid steel-wood arches in the world. Spanning 100 meters, the arches are formed in a hollow triangular shape 2.1 meters high. A 10mm thick steel blade strengthens each arch on the bottom edge and metaphorically references the speed skating function. On the top side, W150 steel beams and 25mm thick steel plates strengthen the arch. The steel beams rise off of the wood slabs at both ends to create a raised roof and cantilever overhangs. A special steel jig was fabricated in order to bend and warp the wood and steel components to the correct geometry. The arches were constructed in 25 meter segments and field spliced with bolts, welding, and epoxy glue. The unusual design and tight arch tolerances required significant in situ fine tuning of erection procedures. The arches were temporarily and permanently stabilized by longitudinally oriented rows of HSS 300 x 300 that are curved to match the roof shape and moment spliced over the arches to prevent lateral torsional buckling of the arches. Tall gable end walls and lateral bracing in the east-west direction consist of structural steel framing. Custom steel castings were designed and manufactured for the yellow cedar struts supporting the cantilever overhang. The building has often been cast as a design featuring pine beetle wood, however the key to spanning the enormous 100 meter span was the combination of steel and wood to create a stunning and striking architecture.