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Kimmel Center
Sectors: Structural, Civil
Applications: Structural Connections
Summary: Lindapter Hollo-Bolts were specified to connect the arched trusses that form the 150ft high barrel-vault roof on the Kimmel Centre for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.
Over 35,000 M10 Hollo-Bolts were used to construct the arched trusses which in turn support the glass barrel vaulted roof, with a connection design that allowed a very rapid installation; splice joints were used inside the adjoining tube sections which were connected together using the Hollo-Bolts.
The extremely cost effective installation required no specialist equipment or labour and dramatically less work at height in comparison to traditional welding or through-bolting methods. The design also eradicated the possibility of tube deformation that can be associated with through-bolting if the bolts are over tightened.
The resulting steelwork is not only structurally sound, but aesthetically pleasing, presenting a clean symmetrical appearance to complement Rafael Viñoly’s design.
The Lindapter Hollo-Bolt is independently approved as a structural connection of primary steelwork and features in the SCI/BCSA joint publication ‘Joints in Steel Construction – Simple Connections’ (or ‘Green Book’ as it is commonly referred to). The guide provides primary design advice and information on using the Hollo-Bolt for structural steelwork connections.