Material provided by Motion Australia
Stadiums worldwide, like the State Hockey Centre in Sydney, the Stade de France in Paris, and the Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle, go beyond being mere sports arenas; they stand as architectural wonders.
Architects and framework planners encounter fascinating challenges while conceiving these structures, often designing the structures with light weight designs. In the realm of structural design, a common question arises: How do engineers guarantee the effectiveness of lightweight roofing systems?
The significance of lightweight roofs
Lightweight roofs are a cornerstone of modern stadium design. They not only add to the aesthetic appeal of these structures but also play a crucial role in climate protection.
Spectators and athletes alike appreciate the comfort of a dry environment, free from the unpredictability of rain. However, designing and engineering lightweight roofs is no simple task.
These roofs often rely on ropes for support, necessitating moment-free bearing supports at coupling points on both sides. This is where Schaeffler’s maintenance-free spherical plain bearings come into play.
Schaeffler’s Spherical Plain Bearings
These bearings are designed to withstand the enormous forces generated when stadium roofs are opened and closed, ensuring structural integrity and smooth operation.
The secret behind their success lies in their Elgoglide® coating, which significantly reduces friction and enhances performance.
Case study
A real test for these bearings occurs in stadiums like the “AufSchalke” during a busy soccer season. The mechanical equipment responsible for rolling out and retracting the soccer turf relies on standard and spherical plain bearings with Ergoglide®-lined bores.
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