Project Highlight:
Two Penn Station Canopy Structural Services
DiDonato Associates was retained by MEPPI for Structural Engineering Services for the design of a multi-folded LED panel canopy façade structure at the new Two Penn Station in New York City. DiDonato was responsible for the structural design of the secondary structure that supports the LED panels that make up this canopy’s underside façade.
DiDonato Associates was retained by MEPPI for Structural Engineering Services for the design of a multi-folded LED panel canopy façade structure at the new Two Penn Station in New York City. DiDonato was responsible for the structural design of the secondary structure that supports the LED panels that make up this canopy’s underside façade.
Due to all the folds and bends throughout the underside façade, the secondary structure was fabricated in large triangular panels comprised of cold form metal studs and tracks. These large panels were constructed off site then lifted into place one-by-one and fastened together. The panels are hung off a threaded rod that is mounted to the underside of the primary structure by utilizing concrete insert anchors, and CFMS cross bracing was installed to prevent lateral sway.
This approach saved time and money but could have been problematic if the layout of the concrete inserts wasn’t thoroughly thought out during the construction of the primary structure overhead. Structural software was used to help verify the design of the large CFMS panels and FEM software was used for the more complex connections we needed to implement. Guidance on expansion joints also was provided to allow the façade to expand and contract without damaging itself.
Next time you are in the Big Apple, check out Two Penn Station!
