csm_Solid_steel_awards_2024__7__0e06d359f4

SDS2 SOLID STEEL AWARDS

Here are your finalists for the 2024 SDS2 Solid Steel Awards!

Winners will be announced at SDS2 Summit in Louisville, KY, September 25-26.

DESCRIPTION

The Great Ape expansion at Brookfield Zoo introduces a cutting-edge 2-acre habitat featuring indoor and outdoor spaces for gorilla troops and other primates. The project includes unique structural elements like specialized columns with access panels and wire connections, as well as unique features such as a gorilla jungle gym and climbing tower. By utilizing SDS2 tools such as the anchor rod, remark, and reference drawing tools, Arteras was able to increase project efficiency and accuracy while seamlessly integrating with other trades. Vote here →

DESCRIPTION

This project consisted of two buildings with designs inspired by nearby airport hangars and industrial structures. Originally planned with lenticular trusses, the design later shifted to bowstring trusses, expanding the scope to include various structural and roof elements. SDS2 played a key role in designing precise connections, especially for complex joints like HSS columns supporting bowstring trusses and curved outrigger roof beams. Using SDS2 tools, including cylinder voids for welded moment connections and BIM coordination, enabled the team to  meet the tight project timeline. Vote here →

DESCRIPTION

This hydrometallurgical battery resource recovery facility is the first of its kind in North America. It involved extensive use of large members to support heavy loads throughout the facility. Typically, structures use the columns and outside beams as the main load bearing members. With this project, the inner members are designed with SDS2 connections, and sometimes the help of a third-party engineer, to handle larger loads to distribute the loads across the entire structure. The project involved a mix of structural and miscellaneous elements, including pipe racks, structural buildings, stair towers, cable tray supports, pipe supports, caged ladders, and stairs. Vote here →

DESCRIPTION

This renovation project for an existing church involved a lot of coordination with the fabricator and general contractor, especially for installing the HSS dome. Final design wasn’t complete until the beginning of fabrication, when they decided to lower the roof by 2-0. Detailers went through several iterations on the HSS dome connections, finally deciding to have them fit tight and welded in the field, which required them to export the rollout pattern for the shop and get the correct step files, so both could be used to verify a proper fit. Vote here →

DESCRIPTION

Located in Blue Oval City Stanton, Tennessee, the Blue Oval SK Battery Plant of Ford Motor Company is comprised of 47,000 tons of steel across 3.1 million sq feet. Due to the substantial volume of steel, the involvement of 17 fabricators, and the expedited schedule, the project was divided into seven separate models, with work happening around the clock for the first four months. SDS2 facilitated seamless ABM and piece mark tracking across the seven models. Additional noteworthy SDS2 features used on the project include automated connection design, routing codes, macros, and report writer. Vote here →

DESCRIPTION

Built in 1894, Rocks Village Drawbridge required a sensitive retrofit to preserve its historical integrity while incorporating modern engineering solutions. The project was a complex task of matching new steel to the original riveted design, using SDS2 to replace rivets with standard bolts while maintaining the bridge's vintage look. Through this project, the team successfully honored the bridge’s heritage and responded to the community's need for preservation and innovation. Vote here →

DESCRIPTION

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology commissioned a new music hall dedicated to its diverse musical programs. Despite appearing like three simple cubes connected by a centralized lobby, the project features complex connections and structural elements. The Performance Lab features an intricate roof to support lighting and sound equipment while the lobby is comprised of three conical archways. Relying on the SDS2 model and drawings was crucial due to the geometric intricacies of the archways. Vote here →

DESCRIPTION

The Renewable Energy Group is a leading North American biodiesel producer. This renovation and expansion project in Geismar, Louisiana will allow biodiesel production to increase from 90 to 340 million gallons annually. Structural challenges included two sulfur recovery units, each requiring shop-attached structures weighing nearly 10 tons, as well as chutes which were divided into three parts. The use of SDS2 helped with erection planning, compliance with PIP standards for miscellaneous steel, and the integration of multiple paint systems by inputting paint codes in the member routing options. Vote here →

DESCRIPTION

Inspired by ancient amphitheaters, the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, Alabama, is an 8,000-seat, bowl-shaped design set in a 40-acre park. This city-owned venue features state-of-the-art facilities, including a VIP columned porch and two levels of concourses. Notable challenges included coordinating multiple radii and skewed grids and integrating precast concrete with structural steel around the seating and stage areas. SDS2 played a crucial role in resolving complex connections and detailing, ensuring precise fabrication and reducing coordination time for the project team. Vote here →

DESCRIPTION

The new 269,000 sq ft hospital in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada, posed several structural challenges. Notably, the front entrance canopy features rolled and sloping levels, requiring hidden bolted connections to maintain aesthetic integrity while accommodating galvanizing constraints. Similarly, the circle entrance, on the north side of the building, utilizes multiple radii and exposed steel with discreet bolted connections. SDS2 facilitated efficient detailing and connection replication across eight models, enabling seamless coordination and increased efficiency on site. Vote here →