Girder clamp secures stadium canopy

The new Target Field ballpark in Minneapolis, USA, which features a 1,988t steel sunshade canopy that sweeps around the stadium, has been successfully suspended with Lindapter steelwork fixings.

The architecturally stunning curved canopy presented a challenge to the connection design due to the connecting beams varying in size and angle throughout. The engineers also had to meet a vital criterion of accommodating up to 22.3kN of wind load, while the contractor favoured a simple to install, universal connection that could be used on both primary and secondary steel sections.

Lindapter provided a single solution that exceeded these requirements with the Type LR Girder Clamp connection system, independently approved to a safe working load of 58.8kN at a 5:1 factor of safety. The self-adjustable assembly is compatible with flange thicknesses of 3mm to 20mm, while an over-sized slotted location plate enabled the simple adjustment to fit variations in beam width and connection angle.

The efficient connection allowed the canopy risers to be easily aligned into position, allowing a faster installation in comparison to more time consuming conventional methods such as drilling, or repeated tack welding and grinding, thereby reducing on-site costs.