Sprint Canopy, Singapore

Challenges

The Sprint Canopy project posed significant engineering challenges due to its impressive height of 27 m (88.6 ft) and slender load-bearing columns. Buckling and overall stability were key concerns, especially under varying load conditions and throughout multiple construction stages.

Another major challenge was logistics: the oversized structural elements, including tall columns and wide arches, could not be transported in standard shipping containers. To preserve the structural integrity of the components, the contractor opted to ship them via barge directly from Europe to Singapore. This approach allowed the elements to remain intact and eliminated the need for costly special connection solutions.

Structural Analysis and Design

To ensure the structural stability of the canopy, the design team conducted advanced Finite Element Method analyses using RFEM. The assessments included detailed evaluations of buckling behavior and overall stability of the slender columns under multiple load scenarios.

Since the canopy required careful planning of several construction stages, the engineers collaborated closely with the builder to develop an optimal assembly sequence. Temporary bracing systems were designed in RFEM, and different load cases were analyzed for each stage to guarantee safety from assembly to completion.

The project required 100% custom steel connections to withstand forces throughout the construction process. These custom joints ensured the canopy remained stable and secure during transport, assembly, and final completion.

The logistics strategy—transporting oversized elements by barge—further supported structural safety by delivering large components intact and ready for immediate installation on-site.