Study of the Loading Arrangement for the Stiffness Tests of the Column Head Assembly and Its Springs Utilized at the Niarchos Cultural Center at Athens - Greece.

Numerical Simulation of the Suspended Roof of the Niarchos Cultural Center at Athens – Greece Utilising Component Test Results

“…At the top of each column a suspension unit is fixes, as it is schematically shown in figure 10 ( [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]). Each unit is hosted within the spacing of the aerodynamically shaped hollow roof which is made of many pre-cast parts that are lifted and assembled in situ on top of the columns be-…”

“…The special sliding pads ensure a coefficient of friction below 2%. Figures 15 and 16 depict a typical suspension unit being assembled for testing at the laboratory of Strength of Materials and Structures of Aristotle University ( [3], [4], [5]). Four springs are then placed to connect the four corners of the square peripheral rigid frame with the four top corners of the sliding core, as depicted in figure 15.…”

“…The objectives of the experimental sequence are briefly described here ( [3], [4] and [5]). A first task was to test individually each one of the four springs forming a suspension unit.…”

“…This was done by subjecting each individual spring to numerous tests whereby its extension covered all its prescribed working range. Details on the loading arrangement of each individual spring are included in the previously published work by Manos et al [3]. Figure 19a depicts the fitting of one of these springs at the loading frame whereas figure 19b shows the measured axial load-displacement response of one of these springs as it was measured at Aristotle University together with discrete measurements provided by the manufacturer.…”

“…This system was designed and utilized in the suspended roof that was built at the top of the building complex of the "Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center" that was recently constructed in Athens, Greece, which is designated in the following as SNCC ( [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]). The whole SNCC project was completed by the Impregilio-Terna joint venture.…”