INNOVATION July-August 2012

CalgaryWest LRT - Sirocco Station

One of six new stations on the 8 km, $1billion West LRT project, Sirocco Station is a testament to innovative design inspired by context and enhancing community identity. Pleasing combinations of design elements such as elliptical precast concrete ribs, copper roof, glue-

laminated wood beams and tempered glass screens are rooted in function. The elliptical profile is tilted at 12.5 0 , raising the south side of the station toward the sun while lowering it to the north to better deflect prevailing winter winds. The curved silhouette of Sirocco Station recalls the graceful curve of a Chinook arch, the tell-tale cloud formation of Calgary’s iconic westerly winds. Framed within the same ellipse are views from the station platform of the downtown skyline. Professionals involved: Darrell Norton PEng (City of Calgary), Dave Weatherby PEng (SNC-Lavalin).

Two-stage OxygenDelignification MG Engineering was involved in the budget preparation, detailed design, procurement and construction for the addition of a second reactor to the existing Oxygen Delignification System for the Cascade Pacific Pulp Mill in Halsey, Oregon. The goal of the project was to lower bleach plant operating costs by reducing chlorine dioxide consumption in the first bleaching stage. The major parts of this project included: process design for maximizing the use of existing equipment and minimizing interruptions to the current process during installation; engineering for heavy piled foundation, deep excavation, and four levels of steel platforms for the reactor; and the design, procurement and installation of a new oxygen reactor, steam injector, mixers, MC pump, and upgrading of the existing MC pump and dilution pumps. The project was completed and started up in August of 2011. The majority of the engineering for this $2.5 million project was completed in Vancouver.

Elkford Community Centre The 1,800 m 2 Elkford Community Centre represents the first North American application of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels for tall shear walls. Due to high seismic and wind conditions, CLT panels were chosen for load-bearing and shear walls. The choice suits

the District’s aim to reduce carbon footprint, promote sustainability and use innovative products. Research and use in Europe has shown that CLT panels can span great lengths, with a better strength to weight ratio than reinforced concrete and masonry. The panels are fabricated locally and delivered to site ready for erection, resulting in a shorter construction schedule. This project also used structural insulated panels, glulam beams and heavy timber beams, all of which minimize job-site waste. The clerestory roof maximizes natural light, while solar water heating reduces the carbon footprint. Owner: District of Elkford. Structural Engineers: Associated Engineering (Mark Porter PEng StructEng LEED AP).

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