Expansion Control Solutions for the World's Largest Domed Structure - Grand Opening of New Dallas Cowboys Stadium
Watson Bowman Acme was selected to provide the mechanical expansion joints for the new Dallas Cowboys stadium and entertainment venue, which opened in Arlington, Texas on June 6th. WBA’s joint systems were designed and manufactured to accommodate the movement needs of the seating bowl, concourses, executive suites, and other areas of the stadium where product durability, performance and aesthetics were essential to the massive structure.
System Selection and Manufacture
What is now one of the most recognizable structures in the world, the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium incorporates Watson Bowman Acme expansion joint products and systems. In addition to meeting movement requirements, these systems were selected to minimize their appearance by using complementary color selections and finishes – as in the executive suites where the Wabo®Contour and Wabo®Allure engineered expansion joint systems minimize sight lines and visibility to provide smooth, non-interruptive transitions for walls and floors; to the engineered expansion joints in the bowl and concourse which bridge transitions between concrete sections and provide stability, safety and waterproofing of joints in heavily pedestrian trafficked areas. Life safety systems, such as the Wabo®FlameGuard II, a fire barrier designed to provide the required fire endurance rating of the structure, minimize passage of smoke, and accommodate dynamic movement, were also required with the expansion joint package.
The selection of several diverse expansion control systems and the corresponding time needed to manufacture the systems had to follow a precise timeline, in order to match Manhattan Constructions’ aggressive construction schedule. Watson Bowman Acme’sperformance record and ability to engineer unique solutions won them the opportunity to participate on this project. In addition to an in-house project manager, on-site support was provided by a team of WBA sales and technical service professionals.
WBA’s project manager worked closely with all parties in assuring timely and accurate communication, manufacture of product, quality control and ultimate material supply. Field changes resulted in as-built variances from the original designs throughout the course of the project. WBA personnel were on site during construction, taking as-built measurements of joint openings and structure geometry along the tread and risers of the seating bowl. These measurements were provided to WBA’s engineering and manufacturing team, who then designed and fabricated custom-made expansion joint systems which were built to exact specifications and delivered on site – assembled and ready for immediate installation.
Early in the process, Watson Bowman Acme worked in concert with HKS Architects to provide expertise in the development of the recommended expansion joint systems ultimately selected for the project. WBA has a strong working relationship with HKS Architects from previous projects and worked closely with them on the development of the final project specification.
The Final Product
Upon completion, Centennial Moisture Control, Inc., of Irving, TX, Watson Bowman Acme’s Factory Trained Installer, will have installed over 19,000LF of expansion joint and fire barrier products. Such products range from the Wabo®Allure, Wabo®Crete Membrane 201, and the Wabo®SeismicFloor, to the Wabo®FlameGuard II fire barrier and Wabo®WeatherSeam system.
Watson Bowman Acme’s vast product offering, quality service and expertise in the area of expansion control will help to ensure the longevity of the new Dallas Cowboys stadium.
2009 Applicator School - March 11-14, Miami FL
WBA recently completed its annual Factory Trained Applicator program in Miami, FL. We are pleased to report that the program celebrated its 20th anniversary, and had record attendance of 65 applicators to boot. This year’s Key Note speaker was W. G. "Sonny" Crowe, RA, a Senior Associate with Williamson & Associates, Inc. - Construction Consultants based in Atlanta, GA. Sonny spoke about the proper specification and utilization of expansion joint systems in the waterproofing of buildings.
The three-day program provides a two-tiered approach to introduce and train contractors to the finer points of selecting and installing WBA’s parking structure expansion joints. Each morning, there are classroom sessions held to cover the expansion joints on a more academic approach, consisting of product presentations set in an interactive format.
Afternoon sessions allow participants to get out of the classroom and experience the products first hand, providing a hands-on approach through the installation of expansion joints. Upon successful completion of the program, contractors become Approved Applicators of WBA’s Parking Segment expansion control systems.
The FTA program received very positive feedback from those who attended. Many were first-year attendees and were very pleased with the seminar and the opportunity to network with others in their business from throughout North America.
WBA has a 300+ member network of approved applicators in North America.