Steel Project Case Study Gallery: Renovation to AGO, Toronto

Terri Meyer Boake BES BArch MArch LEED AP
Associate Professor :: Associate Director :: School of Architecture :: University of Waterloo

Renovation to the Art Gallery of Ontario

... erecting an "arm"

Frank Gehry Architect

Toronto, Ontario

Project Information:

Design Architect: Frank Gehry
Local Engineer: Yolles Halcrow
Steel Fabrication: Benson Steel, Mariani Metals
General Contractor: EllisDon
Cladding: Flynn

The glulam arms that support the facade present some challenges for erection. The combined curve and sideways incline makes finding the lifting point and positioning the piece more difficult than would be encountered on a rectalinear project.

Watch the arm go up on YouTube!! link

preparation - fall 2005-summer 2006	fall 2006 - winter 2007	facade - june 07	erecting "arm" - june 2007	erecting "beam" - june 2007	south facade - june 2007	steel stairs - june 2007
exterior - sept 2007	exterior - oct 2007	cisc fall tour oct 23, 2007	ssef tour - feb 2008	april 2008	june 2008

Project Images: June 2007


The top galvanized steel connecting piece was attached while the arm was still on the truck.	The arm is lifted off the truck by the crane using two fabric straps to keep it level. The lifting points are determined by the lead ironworker. The horizontal piece you see is the top beam that will be erected later.


Turning the arm over so that it is "curve up" to be ready for the lift.	Mike Jackson uses a chain lift to assist with the repositioning.


Giving arm signals to the crane operator to adjust the position of the piece.	The crane is in the process of lifting the base connection plate so that it can be inserted into the bottom of the arm. The connections are of galvanized steel and far too heavy for the ironworkers to lift.


Giving hand signals to the crane operator (who is situated behind the workers without any clear view of what he is doing) to move the connection.	The base connection is pushed into the glulam by the ironworkers. The precut hole has to be the right size...


The steel rods that secure through the wood and internal plate are pounded into place.	Here you can see the finished base connection and the three steel rods that have been carefully hammered in, without damaging the surface of the glulam.


The top of the arm will connect to these two WF sections.	The arm in the air - you can see that it is lifted by one strap. The ironworkers are at the base as the base connection will be secured first, then the top connection. There are no workers at the top as it is deemed too dangerous to have them up there while the arm is moving about.


An ironworker and a carpenter work together to lower the arm into place.	The top of the arm getting somewhat closer to target.


Bottom closer still. While some of the workers attach a strap that will be used to pull the base into position, a lookout watches the top of the arm to make sure it is clear of the rest of the structure.	Closer still.


A member of the Carpenters Local pulls on the wooden arm. You can appreciate the slope of the members from this vantage.	Ironworker (left) watches the top and reports to the crane operator. Carpenter pulls on the arm.


Closer still.	You can see now that at least one of the bolt holes is lined up - the guide is inserted into the hole on the base plate and top flange of the WF below.


Closer still. Once the bottom is connected the ironworkers will have to complete those two connections.	Hand signals to the crane operator while the bottom and top continue to be aligned.


Here you can clearly see how the crane operator is sitting beneath the action and has to rely on communications with the lead iron worker to assist in placing the arm.	A vertical view of the arm placement (photo out of sequence- here the base plate is complete and the workers ascend on the scissor lift to complete the top connection.)


Closer view of the alignment.	Finally aligned, the bolts are inserted and tightened.


Tightening the bolts.	Ascending to the top by scissor lift to complete the connection.


The lift allows for good positioning for this work.	The horizontal member is connected first.


Lining up the members.	Overall view of one arm, almost complete. From lifting to completion of all related connections at the top, about 2 hours.