The Gate to Gellerup, Aarhus, Denmark: Steel structures substitute part of concrete building

Abstract

AbstractThe Gate to Gellerup is one of the first pilot projects in the ambition Master Plan of Gellerupparken. The new innovative solution of constructions creates a new expression and opportunity to connect Aarhus to Gellerup. Not only does the new Gate improve the connection between areas, the new Gate also allows the inhabitants to pass though the building, as the road runs through the buildingThe stairway no. 44 in the block of flats – B4, fig. 1, has been elevated of the ground, to establish the new Infill project. The Infill project contains three stories of flats and a separate stair‐/elevator tower.In order to maintain the architectural expression of the block and of the flats, and due to the long span of the Infill structure as well as a restriction of maximum thichness of the floor slabs, the existing concrete structure has been replaced by a steel structure, as steel is the only feasible material to obtain slender architectural expression.The aim of the steel design was to find a synthesis of architecture, structural behaviour, productivity and buildability. Structural integrity is achieved by extensive analysis using 3D finite element software and the productivity and buildability was achieved by using simple connections and a continuous focus on easy assembly. The project has been designed by use of Tekla 3D‐model software.The steel structure has been designed in a way, which allows the contractor to assemble the whole steel structure on the ground and then hoist it in place as one assembly. This method was developed in order to achieve optimized period of installation on site.