Architects: MMC International Architects
Role: Structural engineering and structural glass design services
The Calgary Eaton Centre and TD Square, two adjacent shopping centres known collectively as ‘the Core’, are currently undergoing extensive renovations in order to update and revitalize the retail facilities. Located in downtown Calgary, the shopping centres occupy three city blocks, and feature walkways which span over streets to connect the second, third and fourth levels.
The renovation scheme features extensive use of structural glass to enhance the existing structure and to create a dynamic and enjoyable retail environment that will attract high-end tenants and draw increased numbers of shoppers to the mall.
Shoppers will have their eyes drawn to a striking glass pedestrian bridge across the top floor of the mall. It spans 14 metres long and 3.5 metres wide, and aids circulation of shoppers while still enabling the flood of natural light from the mall’s dramatic skylight to reach the levels below. An intermediate supporting column, with a unique system of steel struts and tension ties branching out from the top of the column, supports the glass balustrades. Custom steel splice joints give the balustrades the required reach to span the entire distance.
Halcrow Yolles provided both structural engineering and structural glass design services for the pedestrian bridge. The firm applied its comprehensive knowledge of complex structural glass engineering to ensure that the client’s objectives for the project were met.
Engineering solutions developed for the project include:
- Development of several glass bridge schemes capable of spanning the large opening
- Development of the design of a unique steel strut and tie system to support the mid-span of the bridge
- Design of custom connection details to ensure proper interaction between the glass and the steel
- Development of the innovative design of the glass bridge and all steel connections necessary to accommodate the required loads