SEATTLE, WASHINGTON f PERIMETER PLATFORM TRUSSES Is SLOPING STEEL COLUMNS SCL required the invention of new kinds of structural systems. Two separate, layered structural systems were developed. Multi- story-deep perimeter platform trusses supported by carefully positioned sloping columns that maximize counterbalancing opportunities carry the building's gravity loads. The platforms cantilever as much as 52 feet and in some cases, are cantilevered on all four sides. 41 structural conceptSEATTLE, WASHINGTON STEEL COLUMNS. STRUCTURAL FLOOR SYSTEM CONGRETE FOOTINGS To connect the library's sloping walls to the platforms, the engineers developed sophisticated connections based on bridge expansion technology. While tho connections permit vertical movement caused by constant changes in loading (people moving around), they prevent lateral movement caused by earthquakes. 2 lateral and gravity loadsSEATTLE, WASHINGTON STEEL COLUMNS. MESH STRUCTURAL SYSTEM With columns pulled back from the corners, the cantilevering provides structural efficiency, reducing load stresses along the middle of deep box trusses that run around the perimeter of each platform. Notice the placement of columns away from the cantilevered platform to help reduce loads on that area. 3 ih controllinSEATTLE, WASHINGTON STEEL COLUMNS STRUCTURAL FLOOR SYSTEM CONCRETE FOOTINGS The foundation system is relatively shallow. the footings are poored in place on existing grade. Notice how the size of the footing relates to the vertical load it recieves directly from the relating column. The footing that supports the exterior wall In view is the largest because of the large loads it supports from the cantilevering platforms above. 4 foundation‘An innovative system of insulated glass encloses the new Central Library. On surfaces of the building that receive the most sunlight, an \ded metal mesh layer within the glass is in place to holp reduce heat and glare, while retaining visibility. The metal mesh - aluminum sheet metal that is cut and stretched and placed between layers of glass - is used on approximately half the building exterior. The rost of tho building skin is comprised of clear glass. All the glass includes low- emittance coatings for Improved energy performance. The glass units were tested by computer simulation and actual physical tests. The glass assembly is very strong. It passed all wind, raln and alr infiltration tests and met all codes for earthquake resistance. 5 enclosureSEATTLE, WASHINGTON The unique —_diamond- shaped steel grid, serves quadruple duty: It resists wind and earthquake loads, interconnects the platform trusses, serves as the interior architectural finish and supports the glass curtain wall. The key to the success of this system was the design of special connections that allow the arid to stabilize the platforms against QwiInDows 18° BEAMS earthquakes without carrying any of their weight. This eliminated the 14° PIPES need for fireproofing the grid steel, crucial to the desi architectural expression. COPPER FRAME 6 structure + enclosure