Tower in Reuss River Delta near Seedorf, Switzerland

Structures Analysed with Dlubal Software

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Model of tower in RSTAB (© Pirmin Jung Ingenieure)

Viewing tower in front of Swiss Alps panorama (© Pirmin Jung Ingenieure)

Customer Project

20 August 2012

Switzerland RSTAB Timber Structures Towers and Masts

Structural Engineering	Timber Structural Analysis Pirmin Jung Ingenieure für Holzbau AG Rain, Switzerland www.pirminjung.ch Civil Engineer Projekta AG Altdorf, Switzerland
Construction	Timber Construction Gebrüder Bissig Holzbau GmbH Altdorf, Switzerland
Architect	Gion A. Caminada Arch. BSA/SA Cons Vrin, Switzerland
Investor	Canton Uri Committee for the Reuss river delta Altdorf, Switzerland

The bird watching tower in the Reuss river delta is an exceptional look-out construction in the Urner Alps. Its striking primary framework consists of 48 log wood columns standing in an inclined position. From four viewing platforms, people seeking relaxation enjoy the wonderful view into the river delta, and ornithologists can watch nesting birds.

The tower with a height of 11.5 m was designed by the Swiss architect Gion A. Caminada. The structural analysis was performed by Pirmin Jung Engineers, the customer of Dlubal Software.

Structural Analysis

The round columns consisting of silver fir timber were chopped down, treated and prepared in the immediate surroundings of the construction site.

At the base, they have a diameter of approximately 240 mm and are tapered towards the roof that they bear as much as the viewing platform. The platform consists of planks that are 80 mm thick, cantilevering where the four lookout baskets are installed. It is directly attached to the log wood columns by means of brackets. The roof rafters are supported by the center post and the external columns.

Moreover, a steel ring hangs down the roof structure upon which the internal side of the platform floor lies and from which the spiral stairway is suspended.

All connections are built in such a way that they can be easily replaced after the service life has expired and without any influence on the total structure.

Stiffening

In addition to wind loads, the tower must also be able to absorb vibrations from live load. As additional bracings or similar stiffening elements for horizontal structural stabilization did not come into consideration because of architectural reasons, the columns received a partial restraint to the steel ring in the roof. In this way, a kind of spatially effective frame was formed.