Complex roof steel
Detailed modeling of complex roof steel and support trusses.
LocationAtlanta, Georgia, USA
ClientCanam
Completion2017
Project steel20,000+ tons
Detailed by Anatomic Iron8,000+ tons
Project overview
Turning an unprecedented roof structure into fabrication-ready information.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta stands as one of the most iconic and technically advanced sports venues ever constructed in the United States. With a total project value exceeding $1 billion, the stadium is globally recognized for its revolutionary iris-style retractable roof – a feature supported by an immense and highly complex cambered steel roof structure.
For over a year, our team played a leading role in delivering the detailing of this extraordinary structure. Acting as a trusted partner to our client, Canam, we were responsible for a significant portion of the fixed roof steel and the intricate support trusses enabling the movement of the roof petals.
Detailing scope
More than 8,000 tons detailed within a 20,000-ton roof structure.
Our involvement covered the detailing of more than 8,000 tons of structural steel within a total project exceeding 20,000 tons.
Non-standard connections
Development of highly customized and non-standard connections.
Advanced shop drawings
Preparation of advanced shop drawings, including sub-assemblies and super-assemblies.
Multi-team coordination
Coordination across multiple trades, models and detailing offices.
Information flow
Full management of project information flow and model-based collaboration.
Erection information
Creation of survey point tables and erection plans (e-plans).
Model to field
From coordinated geometry to the project on site.
01 / Coordinated model
02 / Fabrication & fieldTechnical complexity
Engineering and detailing challenges that pushed the limits of coordination.
Highly complex connections
Many connections required up to 20 hours of modeling, involving multiple elements and unique geometries.
Massive truss systems
Four distinct truss types included central trusses incorporating multiple stub trusses.
Fabricator coordination
Sub-assemblies produced in different facilities required precise control of hole locations and tolerances.
Design environment
Connection packages changed frequently as engineers refined the structure.
RFIs generated
Our team generated over 1,500 RFIs and processed thousands more from other stakeholders.
Our approach
Advanced detailing strategies for a constantly developing structure.
Our engineering insight and constructability input were critical in resolving design challenges and ensuring fabrication efficiency. To manage the project’s complexity, we implemented advanced detailing strategies:
- Sub-assembly and super-assembly methodology to simplify fabrication workflows.
- Model-driven coordination ensuring real-time alignment across all stakeholders.
- Robust information management to track the status of every steel component throughout the lifecycle.
- Close collaboration with fabricators to ensure seamless production and erection.
This structured approach enabled us to transform highly complex geometry into clear, fabrication-ready deliverables.
Project animation
See the roof structure take shape.
A model-driven erection animation communicates the construction sequence and the relationship between the primary roof trusses.
Project result
A coordinated result at an exceptional scale.
Industry recognition
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been widely recognized as one of the most complex stadiums ever built in the United States. The project was featured as a cover story in Modern Steel Construction (March 2017), highlighting the engineering and detailing challenges behind its innovative roof structure.
Result
Despite the scale and technical challenges, we successfully delivered a coordinated, fabrication-ready model and drawing package – meeting the highest standards of quality, precision and schedule.
- Seamless fabrication and assembly across multiple facilities.
- Fully coordinated steel structure supporting the iconic roof system.
- A highly satisfied client and project team.