Kimmel Centre for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, USA

Type of works: Lindapter Hollo-Bolt specified for use in Kimmel Centre.

Steelwork connection specialists Lindapter provided the solution for the splicing of structural tube sections used in the arched trusses of the Kimmel Centre for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, USA. The solution was achieved by using the Lindapter Hollo-Bolt, over 35,000 M12 Hollo-Bolts were specified for the 8,800 splice connections of this expansive tube truss. The centre, capped by a transparent folded plate-glass barrel vault is supported by structural tube, which extends the length of the structure. The Hollo-Bolt was utilised because the design required a system to splice the tube sections together, be structurally sound, simple to use, cost effective and aesthetically pleasing.

The Hollo-Bolt is a unique product, which provided substantial cost savings for the fabricator and contractor by allowing the tube splices to be made without welding or through bolting, eradicating the need to drill extra holes for standard bolting and allowing the connections to be made without field welding. As well as providing a safe and secure structural connection, the Hollo-Bolt’s design allowed the installation to be made with simple hand tools. The installation was completed easily without purchasing special tools, enabling semi-skilled labour to carry out the work. The Hollo-Bolt produced an extremely clean and symmetrical looking connection; the single side design eradicated the possibility of deformed tubes due to improperly torqued through bolts. In addition the structural engineer chose the Hollo-Bolt for ease of specification and the knowledge that it would perform to its published high load capabilities. As with all Lindapter products the Hollo-Bolt had to undergo physical testing to assure its factor of safety of 5:1.

The Kimmel Centre is just one example of the connection solutions offered by Lindapter. Many types and styles of structural steel connections can be easily specified with the comfort that the Lindapter product will exceed all performance expectations.
Lindapter is a product group of Tyco Fire & Building Products.  Lindapter has served the construction, rail and process industries for over 70 years with technical fixing products offering cost-effective alternatives to traditional methods.  The product range covers all aspects of fixing to or suspending from structural steelwork and comprises steelwork fixings, floor fixings, cavity fixings, rail fixings and support systems, backed up by the highest level of technical support and customer service.  Further information can be obtained from the Lindapter website on.