Scope: 2,200 m²
Responsible Structural Designer: Iina Kovalainen
Structural Design Project Manager: Iina Kovalainen
Complexity: Class V

The glulam beams of a hall building constructed in the 1960s had cracked and deformed significantly, necessitating reinforcement to ensure the building’s safety and extend its service life. The beams were supported using steel column-like structures, effectively reducing the stresses on the glulam beams. The design work for the project began in autumn 2023, with completion in autumn 2024. Nodetec was responsible for the structural design of the project.

The project aimed to strengthen the glulam beams while minimizing the impact of the supporting structures and construction work on the building’s users. Consequently, four slightly different support methods were implemented for the beams.

A key challenge of the project was determining appropriate installation tolerances to ensure the steel supports fit seamlessly with the existing structures. This was particularly demanding given the beams’ deformed state and the imprecise dimensions of the old structures. Using model-based design and precision measurements, the length of each support was individually determined. Smooth collaboration between the various stakeholders significantly contributed to the project’s success.

Additionally, the structural design and calculations accounted for the interaction between the new steel structures and the existing components, as well as the reduced capacity of the glulam beams due to cracking.