Case Study #7 - The Hartford Civic Center

What was a significant factor that led to increased costs for the Hartford Civic Center project?

• Unexpected material price hikes.

• A lack of experienced construction workers.

• The decision not to hire a structural manager.

• Frequent changes in architectural plans.

Which statement accurately describes the construction and composition of the Hartford Civic Center's roof?

• It was a traditional dome structure built piece by piece at height.

• It was a space truss pyramid module assembled on the ground and lifted into place.

• The roof was made of a single layer of horizontal steel beams.

• It featured a buttress design similar to Gothic churches.

What was a notable aspect of Vincent Kling's professional background?

• He specialized in designing sports arenas exclusively.

• He was primarily known for his work in landscape architecture.

• He served as a Navy pilot during World War II.

• He only worked for government-funded projects.

What innovative design feature did the engineers, Fraoli-Blum-Yesselman, incorporate in the Norfolk Scope complex?

• A retractable roof system.

• The world's largest reinforced thin-shell concrete dome with flying buttresses.

• An underground cooling system.

• Modular, pre-fabricated wall panels.

What significant environmental factor in Connecticut should have been a major consideration for the Hartford Civic Center's roof design?

• High winds and hurricanes.

• Frequent seismic activity.

• Heavy and prolonged snowstorms.

• Extreme summer heat.

What was a key discrepancy between the computer design and the built design of the structure?

• The roof panels were made of a different material than specified.

• The diagonal and horizontal beams did not connect at the same point.

• The overall height of the structure was reduced.

• The number of support columns was insufficient.

What was a significant design flaw related to the configuration of rods in the structure?

• The rods were too thin for the intended load.

• The cross-shaped configuration was not stable and facilitated buckling.

• The rods were made of an incorrect material.

• The rods were not properly welded together.

What was the measured downward deflection at the midpoint of the roof?

• 6 inches

• 10 inches

• 13 inches

• 20 inches

By what percentage was the Dead Load of the roof underestimated compared to its actual value?

• 10%

• 20%

• 50%

• 72%

What was a significant issue regarding accountability after the incident?

• All parties involved were found equally responsible.

• A single engineer was solely blamed and prosecuted.

• No one was ever found responsible for the collapse of the roof.

• The construction manager took full responsibility.