MORE ABOUT: Wembley Stadium – London, United Kingdom

MORE ABOUT: Wembley Stadium

Wembley, London, UK
Built: 2004 – 2006
Architect: Foster + Partners
Co-Architects: Populous
Structural Engineer: Mott MacDonald
Contractor: Brookfield Multiplex

Wembley Stadium is the national stadium of England, and is able to seat 90,000.

Above the stadium is a 133 meter high arch that creates a 112 degree angle with the earth. The arch structurally supports the entire northern roof, and 60% of the southern roof of Wembley Stadium, removing the need for columns. This results in an unobstructed view from every seat, and the ability to retract the southern roof. Early sketches of the arch:

The arch illuminating before sunrise:

The arch is made up of 41 steel rings, each connected by 504 steel tubes.

This design was used to fabricate thirteen modules, each 20.5 meters in length, which were laid out and welded together on site.

The ends of the arch are tapered, and attached to 70 ton hinges.

10 months were needed to fabricate the 1,750 tonne arch, and six weeks were needed to raise the arch into place.

The steel structure of Wembley Stadium:

A section through Wembley Stadium:

Case study by: Eugene Polendo
ARE 320K, Fall 2010

Sources:
Cardno, Catherine A. “Arch Rises above Rebuilt Wembley Stadium.” Civil Engineering ; Aug2007, Vol. 77 Issue 8, p12-13.
Catalogue: Foster and Partners. Munich ; London : Prestel, 2005.
Davies, Mike. “Wembley Stadium – Venue of Legends.” Art Book ; Nov2008, Vol. 15 Issue 4, p14-15.
Foster, Norman. Foster 40. Munich : Prestel, 2007.
Wembley Stadium