THE SEATTLE SPACE NEEDLE
Group Members
• Anika Srivastava
• Vrinda Taunk
• Yashwardhan Mishra
The Seattle Space Needle:
An Architectural Marvel
• The Seattle Space Needle stands tall as an
iconic landmark, symbolizing the city's futuristic
spirit and engineering prowess.
• It was constructed for the 1962 World's Fair,
known as the "Century 21 Exposition," and has
since become an enduring symbol of Seattle's
vibrant culture and innovative spirit.
Conceptualization and Design
Napkin Sketch
• The Space Needle's concept originated in
1959 when Edward E. Carlson sketched a
simple idea on a napkin, igniting the vision
of a futuristic landmark. This vision was
further developed by architect John
Graham, who synthesized various design
concepts. Inspirations
• Inspiration for the Space Needle's design
came from various sources, including the
Stuttgart Tower in Germany and a tethered
balloon. The final design is characterized by
its unique triangular lattice structure,
reaching a height of 605 feet (184 meters)
and a width of 138 feet (42 meters).
Structural Engineering:
Steel as the Backbone
• A36 carbon steel, a strong and durable
material, was the primary structural
component used in building the Space Needle.
This choice ensures its strength and resilience
against various environmental factors.
• The foundation of the Space Needle required
250 tons of reinforcing steel, also known as
rebar, which was used to strengthen the
concrete foundation. This rebar acts as a
reinforcement within the concrete, enhancing
its structural integrity.
Structural Engineering:
Steel as the Backbone
• The triangular lattice structure, which forms
the main framework of the Space Needle, is
crucial for its exceptional rigidity. This
structure is known for its strength and
efficiency in distributing load, ensuring the
tower's stability.
• The Space Needle was engineered to
withstand strong winds, up to 200 mph, and
seismic activity, withstanding earthquakes up
to a magnitude of 9.1. This was achieved
through careful structural design and the use
of high-quality materials.
Steel Construction Details
Foundation and Base
Structure
• The Space Needle is supported by a deep
foundation system designed to withstand high
wind and seismic loads. Key aspects include:
• Foundation Depth: The foundation is 30 feet (9.1
meters) deep, consisting of reinforced concrete
with embedded steel beams to distribute weight
evenly.
• Anchoring: The base legs are anchored with 72
steel bolts, each measuring 30 feet (9.1 meters)
long, securing the tower to the foundation.
• Steel Reinforcement in Concrete: The foundation
integrates a high concentration of rebar and
embedded steel plates to enhance load-bearing
capacity.
Steel Construction Details
Foundation and Base
Structure
• Pre-stressed Steel Tendons provide additional
tensile strength to counteract uplift forces from
wind and seismic activity.
• Steel Framework and Vertical Structure
• The tower's structure is composed of three primary
tapered steel legs, which rise from the base and
merge towards the top. The structural steel
framework consists of:
• Steel columns and box girders: Designed for
vertical load support and stability.
• Diagonal bracing and cross-bracing: Enhances both
lateral and torsional resistance.
• Welded, riveted, and bolted joints: Ensuring
durability and flexibility in the structure.
Steel Construction Details
Foundation and Base
Structure
• Steel spacers between columns: To maintain
uniform load distribution and prevent buckling.
• Observation Deck and Revolving Restaurant
• The Space Needle’s top section comprises a circular
observation deck and a revolving restaurant,
supported by radial steel beams connected to the
central core. The revolving mechanism operates
using:
• A steel turntable with 12 sets of ball bearings
• Hydraulic drive motors with steel gears to control
smooth rotation
• Outer steel framework with reinforced gusset plates
for added stability
• Lightweight steel mesh flooring to reduce overall
weight while maintaining strength
Joinery and
Connections
1. Welded Connections
• Used in all major joints for high strength and
rigidity.
• Full penetration welds at base columns and
trusses.
• Robotic welding for precision and uniformity.
• Post-weld heat treatment to relieve stress and
increase durability.
2. Bolted Connections
• High-strength bolts (ASTM A325 & A490) in
secondary steel members.
• Slip-critical bolted connections prevent loosening.
• Plates and gusset plates distribute forces at high-
stress joints.
• Tension-controlled bolts ensure consistent
Joinery and
Connections
3. Riveted Joints
• Used in non-load-bearing joints for redundancy.
• Hot-driven rivets for a tight fit.
• Double-layer riveted plates for shear
resistance.
4. Expansion Joints
• Thermal expansion joints accommodate
temperature changes.
• Elastomeric steel joints prevent structural
stress.
• Sliding connections allow controlled movement.
THANKYOU
