Juli 14th, 2016
While the weather was rosy over Wimbledon as British hopeful Andy Murray clinched his second Wimbledon Men's title; visitors to centre court have Barnshaws Section Benders to thank if the unpredictable British weather reverts to type. The famous retractable roof on centre court benefits from 10 roof trusses which the Tividale based company fabricated and precision curved, ensuring sports fans get to enjoy world class tennis – whatever the weather.
Barnshaws were contacted back in 2007 to aid with the project, which aimed to produce a retractable roof structure spanning 77 metres across the court. Barnshaws expertise was specified due to the high quality of the steel required, which Barnshaws was able to provide due to its high CE marked execution class certification.
The ten roof trusses were fabricated from 66 large arched box-section beams, with each completed truss weighing in at a staggering 70 tonnes. The trusses were fabricated in sections using precision shaped steel plates, with the trusses then being welded together and installed at the stadium.
Each box section was precision curved in-house by Barnshaws, who as the world's premier specialist profile bending company, utilised their unrivalled capacity and experience to achieve a result within the tightest radii stringencies.
Barnshaws have extensive experience in fabricating steel for stadia, having been involved in the construction of Arsenal's Emirates and Manchester City's Etihad stadiums. The increased potential risk of these structures requires the highest quality steel and fabrication, a service which Barnshaws was able to deliver on-time to the contractor.
While visitors and competitors like Mr. Murray spend their time totally focussed on the enthralling action on court – a look upwards will take them from the pinnacle of British sport, to the pinnacle of British steel fabrication. Excellent sport requires excellent facilities, a relationship that quality structural engineering can always provide.
