Oklahoma State University Athletics
Critical Point In Athletic Center Construction To Begin
October 25, 1999 | General
Oct. 25, 1999
The new athletic center reaches a critical point as the north and south trusses began construction Friday, Oct. 22.
Currently, the north truss is being assembled as south truss parts are still in delivery. However, Manhattan Construction officials say Dec. 2 is the goal for both trusses.
"These two box trusses are really the balance of this project," said Ivan Griffith, vice president of Gary Sparks Cos.
The trusses are 269 feet long, 40 feet tall, and will form the base structure of the new roof.
The parts and equipment are spread throughout the site, giving workers little space to maneuver.
"There is no room for anything else, and there is so much waiting on the finish of the trusses," Griffith said.
The limited access creates erection challenges, storage concerns, and planning and staging problems, Stephen McDonald said, Manhattan Construction Cos. senior project manager for Gallagher-Iba Arena.
The toughest area has been the west-seating riser because of its 480 tons of steel and because the crane's versatility is affected by the lack of space, McDonald said.
He said the restricted access has played a key role in determining the sequence for assembling the trusses.
"The north- and south-side stairs cannot be installed until the trusses are finished," McDonald said.
Griffith said the space dilemma is nothing fans should worry about.
"It's like any other construction job, you have to take it one step at a time," Griffith said.
The trusses will be assembled in six major pieces.
The courtside of the north box truss will be set in place and braced. Then steel bracing will tie the courtside together with the seating risers. The east side will undergo the same procedure.
"Once both sections are in place and adequately braced, the courtside center section will be erected and connected to the two end sections," McDonald said. "The north box truss is being built first to allow construction of stair tower one and the extension of the football players' locker room to be done in time to complete the roof structure."
The trusses will rest on four concrete towers that are currently in place. Each tower wall is 18 inches thick.
Griffith said they chose concrete over steel because it is more durable, is heavier than steel and will give the arena a sturdy foundation.
