Arch
Arch

Gateway Arch – Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

Designed by Architect Eero Saarinen and van Zelm Engineers, the “Gateway Arch” soars 630 feet commemorating the past and inspiring the future. There are no parallel sides or 90° angles in the structure; consequently, the design challenges of the MEP (Mechanical-Electrical-Plumbing) systems were far from standard or routine. These systems support the superb structural design and construction of this complicated structure to accommodate millions of visitors annually.

The curved shape of the structure and its varying exposure to solar loads presented a significant HVAC design challenge. Heating and cooling loads vary constantly from one leg to the other and within the individual legs of the Arch as they curve and taper in cross-section toward the observation deck that has a capacity of up to 200 persons.

The environmental air in each leg is provided by a high velocity double duct system (30” H2O present at supply fan discharge) where hot and cold air is combined in mixing boxes at several levels in the legs.  It was important to minimize the diameter of the ducts which was accomplished by high pressure/velocity air, with thermostatic control provided by a pneumatic T.C. system. Each leg serves as a giant plenum from which return air is withdrawn at each base and drawn to underground fan rooms.  There, the systems combine return air with fresh air to condition and recirculate it to the double duct system within the Arch.

To prevent flooding by storm surface-water, water is moved from lower levels into a storm drainage system via multiple and duplex pumping equipment with its normal electrical power backed up by reliable standby power systems.

The commercial power source for the entire complex is from a utility-supplied 277/480V spot network located at a service entrance tunnel.  Distribution in the arch is at 480 volts with local transformers to produce 120/208 volt power as required.

PROJECT FACTS

Height: 630 Feet
Width: 630 Feet (Same as height)
Built: 2/12/63 – 10/28/65
Weight: 17,246 tons
Projected Life: 1,000 years
Stairs: 1,076
Sway: 18” in a 150 mph wind
1/2”-1” in a 20 mph wind
Cost: $13 million
Outer Skin: Stainless Steel
Annual Visitation: 3.4 million

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Client: Eero Saarinen (Now Roche Modern)
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