Structural Projects

With each “bird” weighing in excess of 150,000 lbs, a significant challenge was to produce graceful yet accurate and safe movements. McLaren worked with the owners, designers and prospective fabricators to develop structural and mechanical approaches that could satisfy the project budget, uphold the designer’s vision, allow shops to easily fabricate the structures, and withstand a highly unfavorable environment – an exposed saltwater marine environment within a major shipping lane is hardly ideal for precision servo-controlled mechanics or complex electronics – while delivering a reliable showcase event.

McLaren provided complete structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering for the ride system while also providing the site/civil work for the building. The firm produced comprehensive 3D models of the ride and coordinated space, geometry and functional issues with the various disciplines to ensure an integrated design. McLaren also performed motion and velocity studies to ensure the ride was both exciting and interesting, while still technically feasible. Finally, McLaren produced complete bid documents for the ride, including both comprehensive design drawings and a technical performance specification. We also advised on and assisted in the pre-qualification of interested vendors.

McLaren performed a structural and mechanical engineering evaluation of the stage equipment for the Tour. This review included performing calculations on the customized main stage decks, the B-stage decks, and several mechanical lifts. In addition, McLaren was engaged to perform a third party review of the complex and spectacular “Claw” Structure – an 85-foot tall structure that overarches the entire stage on four radial legs – as well as its associated overhead rigging, which had been previously certified for use in Europe.

McLaren’s involvement began with the backstage area, where the firm helped design gridiron reinforcing, a new stage floor, and basement renovations. The house and lobby overhaul then began, which included converting the top floor to a patron lounge, expanding the basement lounge and restrooms, improving stair and elevator access, adding a doorman vestibule, and upgrading MEP equipment. McLaren provided engineering services for an 800 sq. ft. basement addition, an expansion into unexcavated soil and bedrock. Without structural drawings, McLaren had to coordinate several investigatory probes and provided daily consultant services to develop immediate solutions.

McLaren provided an assessment report concerning the proposed decks and stage assembly to support the specified design load, including, as required, specifcal requirments or limitations. Local seismic requirements were considered as the stage assembly is braced to the building structure.