Structural Engineering Projects

Challenge

The tower crane used to construct the Trump Tower was not tall enough to erect the spire, so a helicopter would be needed, and the weight of the spire pieces was limited by the capacity of the helicopter. In addition, the external shell of the spire must not block broadcast transmissions, so the tower would require an internal framing system. And finally, the spire would have to withstand the severe wind and ice loads experienced at rooftop levels along Lake Michigan.

Solution

Hodge Structural Engineers developed a modified lattice truss tower to fit within the fiberglass spire dictated by the building's architect. The tower satisfied the wind and ice loading demands and addressed the dynamic characteristics inherent in a slender, elegant profile. Close work with the client and helicopter erection crew culminated in a successful design.