Building Technology

Turner employs rare 'collapsible' steel truss system at Seattle light rail station

Feb. 25, 2013

To speed construction of the $110 million Capitol Hill Station light-rail station in Seattle, general contractor Turner Construction will use an unusual temporary framing method for the project's underground spaces.

Like building a ship in a bottle, the "collapsible" steel truss system will be lowered into the shaft and expanded to form the framework for the station's concrete walls and floors, according to CHS Capitol Hill Seattle Blog.

Using the steel truss system, Turner will complete 40 feet at a time. Once the concrete is dry, the framework will be collapsed and used to create the next section. The frame system also incorporates PVC piping that will circulate cool water to assist in concrete curing time.

The station is scheduled to open in 2016.

(http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2013/02/22/innovative-wall-floor-construction-set-to-begin-inside-capitol-hill-station)

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