The Whistler Olympic Ski Jump
Overview
On November 22, 2006, Emil Anderson Construction (EAC) Inc awarded Dynamic Structure the contract to fabricate and erect two of the most complex structures of the 2010 Winter Olympics: The Mountain Side K95 & K125 Ski Jump In-run Structures. The challenge was enormous. Two 95 & 125 meter long Ski Jump In-run Structures to be built on a remote mountain side.
Challenge
The 650 ton tubular truss type structure had to be built under tolerances lower than 5 mm, using extremely strict welding standards and maintaining the ski jump profiles required by International Ski Federation (FIS). Maintaining the profile is critical in the performance of the ski jumpers and also in their safety. Forming, fabricating and welding tubular trusses 95 & 125 m long, 8 m wide and 4 m high under those tolerances was already very demanding. But building them flexible enough to allow for transportation and assembling on a remote and rugged location was a genuine challenge. And to make it even more difficult, the geometry and FIS profile requirement of the whole assembled structures had to be kept under design tolerances all the way to final erection.
Solution
Dynamic Structures never doubt its ability to deliver the structure under or exceeding the tolerances required. Our shop was prepared to execute the forming, fitting and welding required by VANOC’s architect, CJP and engineer, Sandwell. However, innovation and creativity would be required to meet deadlines and cost. To ensure the geometry, tolerances and profile was maintained, were trial assembled in our premises before shipping.
Our approach was to detail and manage the project in such a way that every construction step would take into account the project as a whole, from conception and material procurement, fabrication, to erection and final verification. All parties involved understood the preceding and subsequent phases of the project and contributed to make the process flow smoothly and achieve the contract specifications and design requirements.
While the sections were being crafted, the logistics for transporting and deploying the structure was carefully planned. When time came, it sprang into action flawlessly. An unprecedented coordination effort was developed involving the Ministry of Transportation in Victoria, several municipalities along the way from Port Coquitlam to Whistler, coastal authorities, the RCMP, and even emergency and road escorting services. As a result, all components were delivered to the mountain side without a scratch.
The transportation called for three barge shipments, specially built vehicles, wide-berth barges, mountain side cranes and a highly skilled workforce working overnight to virtually eliminate the impact on the lives of residents and commuters. All this planning and dedication lead to a gigantic event happening almost unbeknownst to the general public.
"I have appreciated the very real intellectual interest demonstrated... Our relationship has been the most positive that we have had with any outside fabricator"
Nick Scoville, Director, Owens Valley Radio Observatory
Outcome
During and after the erection process, the whole structure was constantly laser checked. As a result of superb craftsmanship, all tolerances and FIS profiles met or exceeded the original design.
Notwithstanding the complexity of the project, the delivery deadline was met with ease. VANOC and Emil Anderson Construction are now finalizing the Ski Jump In-run Structures and initiating operational tests as early as November 2007. This will allow for the first international competition to take place using the new Ski Jump In-runs January 2008. This will give Canadian and international athletes the opportunity to train in the state-of-the-art ramp two full years before the main event for which it was designed and built. Another Olympic first.
VANOC and the International Ski Federation have highly praised the efforts and professionalism of the workers and their contribution to the success of this Nation’s Olympic endeavor. Although the design, very tight schedule and site conditions made this project extremely challenging, the co-ordination, co-operation and team workmanship by everyone involved resulted in a successful project.