Metrodome Roof Collapse December 12, 2010

Steven C. Maki, PE Director of Facilities & Engineering MSFC

Metrodome Roof Operation & Care

Monitoring 24/7 basis
Experienced staff Annual inspection and repair Periodic roof surveys as recommended by Birdair

Birdair Roof Surveys

Conducted in 2003, 2007, & 2010
2010 survey indicated fabric in good condition

Metrodome Snow/Wind Incidences

3 snow collapses early 1980s with one panel replacement 1 wind incident 1986 No collapse or panel replacement in 27 years

Snow Procedures
Preheat interior to 80-85 deg F air temperature
Hot air (150F) is directed between outer and inner to melt snow Internal pressure increased by 50% Manual snow removal if necessary This procedure worked for 27 years

December 10, 2010

Winter storm warning with projected heavy snow
Typical snow procedure is begun

December 11, 2010

Overnight heavy snow/strong winds
Leo Pidde calls for manual snow removal 10:15am Steve Maki on roof at 11am Pressure is raised higher late morning

7 personnel on roof by 1pm

December 11, 2010 continued

Significant snow accumulations on roof/strong winds
Inverted triangular panels (tips) North/West sides Decreasing temperatures Conditions deteriorate; manual snow removal not effective

December 11, 2010 continued

Snow removal crew down at 5:30 pm unsafe conditions
Steve Maki/Leo Pidde pull drain plugs All personnel off roof 6pm with plans to return next day 8am

Conference call made to postpone game

December 12, 2010

Roof collapse at 5:03am (play video) This is precursor to FOX video Staff arrives to begin mitigation Conference call with MN Vikings/NFL to cancel game.

Initial Damage from Collapse

Panel 104 (triangle) ruptures from snow slide
Panels 43 & 44 (diamonds) rupture sequentially from snow loads as tons of snow and ice funnel to roof center Panel 15 ruptures spontaneously about 5:30 pm on 12/15 Panel 35 ruptures after attempting to induce drainage 12/20

Other Collateral Damage

Frozen pipes and broken seats
Minor structural damage to wind girt system Damaged roof vents, lightning rods, inner liner Other misc damage

12/12/2010 HHH Metrodome

View towards panel 76

12/12/2010 Internal View of Ruptured Diamonds

Approx. 9am view from Section 136 area

12/12/2010 Panel No. 104

View from interior

12/12/2010 View of Roof from Panel No. 104

Roof Stabilization Efforts December 12-26, 2010

Significant snow loads/stresses on roof
Safety is no. 1 priority Low outside temperatures hamper progress Birdair, Geiger, WPM contacted and to site Arrangements made with local firms to assist

Roof Stabilization Efforts continued

Initial focus is on repair
Birdair determines panel 104 is severely damaged and can not be temporarily repaired 12/14

MN Vikings game on 12/20 is switched to U of MN TCF Bank Stadium

Roof Stabilization Efforts continued

Ruptured panels are curtained or temporarily covered
Panel 15 ruptures suddenly 12/15 Work is stopped, work plan is reviewed for safety

Geiger designs roof restraint system using jersey barriers Birdair/Sowles installs system to ballast for wind loads

Roof Stabilization Efforts continued

Inner temperatures rise after curtain/covering
Panel drain plugs are pulled Laser survey is used by WPM to acertain loading/damage Roof structure is stabilized by Christmas

Roof Assessment Dec. 26, 2010-Jan. 14,2011

Warm weather with rain
Photo survey of roof inner liner conducted; diamond panel liner removed (Geiger recommendation) WPM recommends fabric samples to be tested Strong winds New Years Eve tears panel 104 curtain

Sampling starts; cold/snow/winds slow efforts

Roof Assessment Dec. 26, 2010-Jan. 14,2011

Seating reduction curtain removed (Geiger recommendation) Birdair notes panel no. 100 in bad condition MSFC requests Birdair perform roof survey

Roof Assessment Jan. 15, 2011 +

Birdair roof inspectors arrive on site Jan. 18
Weather conditions hamper survey Test results both bad and good

TT requests certain samples

Birdair reports roof panels in poor shape, tears/holes in triangles; survey completed 2/3

Summary of Results to Date

5 panels ruptured with significant damage to remaining roof and liner Testing results are good and bad Birdair survey indicates roof in poor condition
Sliding snow/ice have degraded fabric; wind/wicking are negative effects

Public Safety Concerns

No support for partial restoration of the roof Significant concern if partial restoration, weakened fabric could fail during event causing panic

Conclusions/Recommendations
Replace external roof fabric (cables are ok)
Replace inner liner above seating area (triangles/rectangles)

Save liner cost on diamonds by replacing with acoustical batt + increase heat transfer for snow melting

Conclusions/Recommendations continued
New roof clamping required; remainder of roof system is good
Minor collateral damage cost wise Remove seating reduction curtain Syracuse experience provides positive results