Idaho Central Credit Union Arena - Long-span Timber Sports Arena
The University of Idaho basketball arena models the use of timber in long-span sports facilities in North America.
The 4,000-seat arena is the new home for the Vandal′s varsity basketball teams and a gathering place for a variety of school and community events.
The 4,000-seat arena is the new home for the Vandal′s varsity basketball teams and a gathering place for a variety of school and community events.
Doubly curved plywood diaphragm as unique characteristic
The doubly curved plywood diaphragm roof is supported by hybrid timber/steel trusses which carefully combines both aesthetics and structural efficiency. To ensure fabrication and constructability of the new arena the engineering team with the architect had to meet numerous constraints and challenges associated with a doubly curved structure.
Facts & Figures
Customer:
Universität von Idaho
Architect:
Opsis Architecture
General constructor:
Hoffman Construction
Statics:
Structure Craft
Finalisation:
2021
Customer:
Universität von Idaho
Architect:
Opsis Architecture
General constructor:
Hoffman Construction
Statics:
Structure Craft
Finalisation:
2021
Challenging requirements within the project
One of the many unique features of this project is the efficient timber/steel portal frame that spans 120’ to allow for viewing from the secondary seating at the practice rink. The entire frame was pre-assembled on site into three large components to minimize work at height. Complex timber engineering was required to design the thrust connection between beam and column to transfer over 450,000 lbs. of compression.
Local Glulam was used for most of the project, and two different manufacturers in Idaho produced the curved Glulam. This was a significant challenge, as they had not previously worked with the tolerances required for this scale of project. From the prefabricated wood parts the final elements have been cut by CNC.
The kingpost trusses span over 150 ft. across the main arena. One of the key challenges was installation of these heavy elements with a crane in the bowl. A parametric model of the trusses was created using genetic algorithms to perform a structural optimization on the trusses, while respecting aesthetic numerous objectives. This created structural efficiency and, importantly, reduced weights of the prefabricated pieces. This also allowed the project budget to be maintained.
Due to the high forces beams and posts are exposed in the project, the quality of the screws used was essential. Schmid Schrauben offers products that fullfil this requirement perfectly. Additionally, to high technical values, RAPID Fullthread screws offer a unique combination of half tip and outstanding distances in spacing. One of the main advantages of the patented half tip is the low wear of screws in the wood. Thanks to this feature multiple screws can be placed very close to each other.
Local Glulam was used for most of the project, and two different manufacturers in Idaho produced the curved Glulam. This was a significant challenge, as they had not previously worked with the tolerances required for this scale of project. From the prefabricated wood parts the final elements have been cut by CNC.
The kingpost trusses span over 150 ft. across the main arena. One of the key challenges was installation of these heavy elements with a crane in the bowl. A parametric model of the trusses was created using genetic algorithms to perform a structural optimization on the trusses, while respecting aesthetic numerous objectives. This created structural efficiency and, importantly, reduced weights of the prefabricated pieces. This also allowed the project budget to be maintained.
Due to the high forces beams and posts are exposed in the project, the quality of the screws used was essential. Schmid Schrauben offers products that fullfil this requirement perfectly. Additionally, to high technical values, RAPID Fullthread screws offer a unique combination of half tip and outstanding distances in spacing. One of the main advantages of the patented half tip is the low wear of screws in the wood. Thanks to this feature multiple screws can be placed very close to each other.
