WORLD’S LARGEST RETRACTABLE ROOF AN ENGINEERING MARVEL
March 3rd, 2011
March 3, 2011
Ministry of Science and Universities
For Immediate Release
2011SU0010-000190
March 2, 2011
VANCOUVER – Students of King George Secondary school in Vancouver, accompanied by Ida Chong, Minister of Science and Universities, got a first-hand look at the amazing transformation underway at BC Place as work continues on building the world’s largest cable-supported, retractable roof.
David Podmore, chair of BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), was on hand to highlight the science and engineering achievements that have gone into the construction of the new roof and revitalized stadium that will transform BC Place into a year-round, open-air venue and a new architectural showcase for B.C.
The tour is just one of more than 370 Year of Science community activities organized to date to help raise the profile of science and technology in the province, and introduce young people to the many interesting and well-paying career opportunities in the field.
“Personally witnessing such cutting-edge science and engineering in action helps these students to really appreciate the amazing opportunities that an education in science can lead to,” said Chong. “And that’s what the Year of Science is all about – promoting greater interest in science by showcasing some of the incredible work and expertise right here in B.C.”
“The technology behind the new retractable roof at BC Place is a proven technology, but never before has it been done on this scale,” said Podmore. “Our outstanding team of engineers and architects was faced with the incredible challenge of creating the largest retractable roof of its kind in the world, and they’ve really come through for us. The engineering involved is incredible, and is a true example of the role that advanced scientific knowledge plays in creating just about everything around us.”
Quick Facts about the BC Place project:
- What does it take to create the largest cable-supported retractable roof on earth? 18,000 tonnes of steel, 35 km of cable and 76,000 square metres of fabric.
- The finished structure is equivalent to 18 suspension bridges, each over 200 metres long.
- The new roof will be supported by 36 masts, each one 50 metres long.
- The roof fabric will take about 20 minutes to open or close above the field area. All 55,000 seats will remain covered at all times.
- Weight of snow that can be supported by the roof structure: 7 million kilograms.
- New four-sided, high-definition, centre-hung video board, new upgraded stadium lighting and sound systems and new artificial turf playing surface all add to the guest experience.
- Upon reopening in the fall of 2011, BC Place will be the new home for the Vancouver Whitecaps MLS franchise, will continue to be home to the BC Lions Football Club, and will host the CFL Grey Cup in 2011, the 2011 Vanier Cup, plus many other exhibitions, and community and entertainment events.
- At a fixed cost of $563 million, the cost of refurbishing BC Place is about half of the cost of a new multi-purpose facility.
- The current phase of the BC Place revitalization project (including the new retractable roof) requires 3,000 person-years of labour, while the boost in the number of events that can be held once BC Place reopens is expected to create thousands of additional, indirect jobs for British Columbians.
Quick Facts about the Year of Science:
- Through the Year of Science, the B.C. government wants to engage young people in science by showcasing how science works, who scientists are, the kinds of work they do, and why science matters in our everyday lives.
- B.C.’s future depends on a new kind of literacy in science, technology, math and engineering. Predictions are that three-quarters of all future jobs in B.C. will need at least some kind of post-secondary education.
- Over the next 10 years, approximately one in every eight job openings will be in a science-related occupation.
To learn more about the BC Place construction underway, visit the Year of Science website at: http://ow.ly/424zr