Sinclair Knight Merz, as part of the Mott Stadium consortium between Mott McDonald, SKM and Connell Wagner formed part of the multi-disciplinary engineering team for Wembley Stadium.
Wembley Stadium is a recognisable feature with a 315 metre arch structure making it the longest single span roof structure in the world.
SKM were responsible for the design of the structural steelwork for the bowl structure including the perimeter prismatic truss that forms the interface with the roof structure. This also incorporated the reinforced concrete shear cores that resist wind loading on the building. SKM were responsible for the design of two of these cores to resist enormous horizontal loads, applied to the very top of the cores, from cables supporting the main roof arch in the temporary condition before the structure was complete.
The project used the newest technologies to create a venue fit for the new millennium, with hotel, exhibition and retail facilities. The involvement of SKM in this project demonstrates skills in the following areas:
- design of roof structures for landmark stadiums
- design of grandstands subject to extreme crowd loading for sports events and concerts
- design of major multi-purpose stadiums.