Buildings
Scottish Parliament Roof Failure Investigated
(archrecord.construction.com - 03/14/2006)
By Robert
Such
The Scottish Parliament debating chamber
closed on March 2, when a 12-foot-long roof strut slipped
from its metal housing and swung over the heads of elected
officials. The semi-circular chamber, which seat s the 129
members of the Scottish Parliament, was evacuated. Arup, the
project's structural engineering firm, was called in to inspect
the 221-pound beam and a fractured bolt.
"A failure occurred in the connection
of the timber strut to the stainless steel shoe," according
to Arup's director, Rob Kinch. "Once the cause is established,
it will be necessary to confirm on site that all of the other
bolts and connectors have been correctly installed and are
not overstressed." Materials testing firm Stanger Materials
Science will analyze the bolt and laminated oak beam. During
the inspection, Parliamentary debates will be held at The
Hub, a former religious assembly hall which dates back to
the 19th century.
The late Spanish architect Enric Miralles
and UK firm RMJM, designed the building opened in late 2004,
three years later than planned, and cost $745 million. Last
year the building was awarded the RIBA Stirling Prize.
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