For this week’s blog, our sheet metal machinery experts thought they’d take a look at seven impressive and wondrous steel structures from around the world. These extraordinary marvels of modern engineering and architecture are truly sights to behold and a testament to what we can do when we set our minds to it. Let’s dive right in with possibly one of the most well-known of steel structures in the world.
1. Eiffel Tower
Completed in 1889 after an impressive two years, two months and five-day construction time, the design was chosen out of 107 possibilities that were submitted as part of a competition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French revolution. 7300 tonnes of wrought iron was used as well as two and a half million rivets. It was unveiled at the 1989 World Fair and was used as a gateway.
The competition was held two years prior for the World Fair and was won by four men – Gustave Eiffel (an entrepreneur and whom it was named after), Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier (who were both engineers) and Stephen Sauvestre (an architect). To this day, the Eiffel Tower is an internationally recognised symbol of France and a true feat – especially given how fast it was completed for the time.
2. Walt Disney Concert Hall
Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a gorgeous piece of art that also happens to be an incredible building with extraordinary acoustics. The building features a distinct wavy design on its roof using stainless steel but with stamped patterns to make it look almost like giant bricks.
3D rendering software used by the aerospace industry was key in achieving the unique design – making it possible to achieve it. Completed in 2003, the overall inspiration for the design was from the ocean and its waves. The steel panels would’ve had to have been machined using sheet metal machinery to achieve such impressive curvature.
3. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Looking a little closer to home, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was completed in 1932 and is often nicknamed the coat hanger thanks to its visual design. The bridge was completed in six years and used 53,000 tonnes of steel and six million hand-driven rivets. This Australian icon spans 503 metres and the top of the bridge is 134 metres off the ground.
4. Chrysler Building
Coming in at 319 metres tall, the Chrysler Building is a beacon of the New York skyline. The art-deco skyscraper was completed in 1930 and held the record for the tallest building in the world for just under 12 months. The building itself features a steel framework that is filled with bricks as well as 391,881 rivets. That being said, above the 60th floor is where a lot of the art-deco, metal architecture is featured which is quite unmistakable in itself.
5. Burj Khalifa
Presently the tallest building in the world, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa comes in at 828 metres tall and contains over 160 stories. 39,000 tonnes of steel rebar were used along with 330,000 cubic metres of concrete. Construction took just under two and a half years to complete. The exterior is riddled with stunning lights that make the wonder shine in the night sky.
6. Willis Tower
Taking three years and 2000 workers to build, the Willis Tower is the second largest building in Chicago and looks absolutely incredible. Completed in 1973, the Willis Tower (originally known as the Sears Tower) was constructed using a steel-framed bundled-tube method. This means that several framing tubes were bundled together to create stern and rigid columns that supported such a tall structure. It was the tallest building in the world up until 1998.
7. Unipol Group headquarters
Located in Milan, the Unipol Group headquarters is an absolutely stunning piece of architecture and a true modern marvel. Its distinct, elliptical shape reaches 100 metres in height and covers 35,000 square metres. A combination of wood, steel and glass brought this geometrical achievement to life. Its design also helps with insulation and energy efficiency – making it a green and sustainable building with several trees housed at the top and a plethora of greenery riddled throughout.
In the market for some sheet metal machinery?
If you’re looking to purchase some sheet metal machinery, then look no further than ACRA Machinery. Whether you’re fabricating for a skyscraper or a smaller-scale project, you’re going to want to take a look at our range of new and used sheet metal machinery. We also offer on-site repair and maintenance services to ensure your machines are running like new.
If you’d like to get in touch with us then please fill out the contact form on our website or give us a call on 03 9794 6675.