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2021-09-01

Malahat SkyWalk Viewing Tower and Walkway on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

The accessible outdoor recreation structure Malahat SkyWalk viewing tower and walkway is an exciting new tourism project located on southern Vancouver Island.

Malahat SkyWalk Lookout Tower, 3D RFEM Model (© Aspect Structural Engineers)
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Malahat SkyWalk Lookout Tower

Das einstöckige Besucherzentrum besteht aus einem Vollholz- und Leichtholzrahmen und beinhaltet ein Café. Von dort führt ein 650 m langer Baumwipfelpfad die Besucher auf eine eindrucksvolle sanft geschwungene spiralförmige Rampe auf 30 m hinauf, um die herrliche Aussicht auf Finlayson Arm und die fernen Coast Mountains zu genießen.

Konstruktion

Die Hauptstruktur besteht aus Brettschichtholz-Stützen mit Kreuzverstrebungen aus Stahl rundum. Konsolträger an diesen Stützen tragen einen 600 m langen spiralförmigen Wanderweg, der die Besucher nach oben zur Aussichtsplattform führt. Eine feuerverzinkte, mittig angebrachte Wendeltreppe aus Stahl dient als Notausgang.

Das Projekt zielt darauf ab, die ökologischen Werte des Parks zu schützen und zu stärken, mit den Ureinwohnern Kanadas zusammenzuarbeiten, öffentliche Nutzung mit ökologischen Werten abzuwägen und Besuchern die Naturschätze und das Kulturerbe näherzubringen.

Location 901 Trans-Canada Hwy
Malahat
BC V0R 2L0
Canada
Client Malahat Skywalk Corp.
malahatskywalk.com
Structural Design Aspect Structural Engineers
aspectengineers.com
Architecture Muroch & Company Architecture & Planning
Design Assist Contractor Kinsol Timber Systems
www.kinsoltimber.com
3D Detailing & Shop Drawings Styxworks
styxworks.com

Project Specifications

Model Data

Number of Nodes 1177
Number of Lines 2300
Number of Members 1930
Number of Load Cases 19
Number of Load Combinations 36
Number of Result Combinations 9
Total Weight 172,174 t
Dimensions (Metric) 37.614 x 37.614 x 35.372 m
Dimensions (Imperial) 123.41 x 123.41 x 116.05 feet
Program Version 5.26.01

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Events
Videos
Models to Download
Knowledge Base Articles
KB 001833 | Using Nonlinearities in Response Spectrum Analysis in RFEM 6
Both the determination of natural vibrations and the response spectrum analysis are always performed on a linear system. If nonlinearities exist in the system, they are linearized and thus not taken into account. They are caused by, for example, tension members, nonlinear supports, or nonlinear hinges. This article shows how you can handle them in a dynamic analysis.
Modifying Boundary Lines
If the geometry of a surface for which you must remove some of the existing boundary lines changes subsequently, you do not need to redefine the surface.
Model of Tensile Test Object
The elastic deformations of a structural component due to a load are based on Hooke's law, which describes a linear stress-strain relation. They are reversible: After the relief, the component returns to its original shape. However, plastic deformations lead to irreversible deformations. The plastic strains are usually considerably larger than the elastic deformations. For plastic stresses of ductile materials such as steel, yielding effects occur where the increase in deformation is accompanied by hardening. They lead to permanent deformations - and in extreme cases to the destruction of the structural component.
System with Local Axis System of Gusset Plate
The European standard EN 1993-1-8, Section 4.5.3.3. provides the user with a simplified method for the ultimate limit state design of fillet welds. According to the standard, the design is fulfilled if the design value of the resultant acting on the fillet weld area is smaller than the design value of the weld's load-bearing capacity. Thus, if you want to dimension the weld for a surface model, you will be faced with a variety of results due to the nature of FEM calculations. Therefore, we show in the following text how to determine the force components from the model.
Screenshots
Product Features
Cold-formed steel design according to AISI S100 and CSA S136 standards in RFEM 6 software.

The design of cold-formed steel members according to the AISI S100-16 / CSA S136-16 is available in RFEM 6. Design can be accessed by selecting “AISC 360” or “CSA S16” as the standard in the Steel Design Add-on. “AISI S100” or “CSA S136” is then automatically selected for the cold-formed design.

RFEM applies the Direct Strength Method (DSM) to calculate the elastic buckling load of the member. The Direct Strength Method offers two types of solutions, numerical (Finite Strip Method) and analytical (Specification). The FSM signature curve and buckling shapes can be viewed under Sections.

Effective Cross-Section in SHAPE-THIN 8

In SHAPE-THIN 8, the effective cross-section of stiffened buckling panels can be calculated according to EN 1993-1-5, Cl. 4.5.

The critical buckling stress is calculated according to EN 1993-1-5, Annex A.1 for buckling panels with at least 3 longitudinal stiffeners, or according to EN 1993-1-5, Annex A.2 for buckling panels with one or two stiffeners in the compression zone. The design for torsional buckling safety is also performed.

Feature 002916 | Joint-Structure Interaction for Steel Joints

Want to automatically consider steel joint stiffness in your global RFEM model? Utilize the Steel Joints add-on!

Activate joint-structure interaction in the stiffness analysis of your steel joints. Hinges with springs are then automatically generated in the global model and included in subsequent calculations.

Feature 002820 | Limit Plastic Strain for Welds

In the ultimate configuration of the steel joint design, you have the option to modify the limit plastic strain for welds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it not possible to select the plate that I want to adjust in the “Plate Cut” and “Plate Editor” components?
Is it possible to consider the eccentricity of unsymmetrical line welds for the stress analysis in RFEM 6?
How can I reduce the calculation time for members with a nonlinear material model in RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9?
I want to create a mapped mesh for a circular hole plate. Is it possible to generate such a meshing in RFEM?

Is it possible to set user-defined values when viewing solid stress results?
How can I create a drilled beam in RFEM?
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