Central Chapter Dinner Meeting: Case Study for the Innovative Use of Advanced Carbon Fiber Strengthening at the ASU HFC Canopy

Central Chapter Dinner Meeting: 

Case Study for the Innovative Use of Advanced Carbon Fiber Strengthening at ASU HFC Canopy

The presentation will show how the innovative use of advanced carbon fiber made the architecturally/structurally stunning  87’ x 60’ open-air canopy spanning in all four directions a reality.  This was accomplished by:

• Provide targeted application of carbon fiber to allow for cost effective implementation of structure and meet the project budget requirements.
• Combine steel frame sections reinforced with carbon fiber composite to reduce overall section dimensions and steel thickness to allow for the slender appearance of the canopy.
• Reduction in steel cross-section requirements minimizing overall structural weight to allow for ground built canopy to be lifted into place.
• Carbon fiber application at grade level of assembled framework prior to erection to final position to reduce safety concerns for working conditions and shoring requirements.
• Increasing the stiffness of the cantilevers to meet code requirements to resist applied lateral forces meeting deflection constraints adjacent to existing building structure.
• Providing a durable and inert advanced carbon fiber application which does not oxidize throughout the installed life cycle of the structure.

Presented by Michael Pulhmann

Michael Puhlmann, PE, SE is a principal with Advanced Structural Engineering (ASE).  He has been the firm for his entire career, 38 years.  He takes an active role with the team to find the best possible solution for the overall project goals: aesthetics, budget, schedule and constructability.  He is a registered Structural Engineer in Arizona and received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from BYU.

Please join us!