[INDUSTRY NEWS]


World’s Largest Observation Wheel, Las Vegas High Roller Now Open


longevity of the interactions between the cables, connections, and bearings. Specifically, as each rim section was installed, it was held temporarily in place by cables and temporary steel struts. The 3-inch-diameter steel cables (supplied by Freyssinet) were left slack until the rim was fully assembled, at which point all the cables were tensioned to their target prestress levels. Once the cables were prestressed, the


tensions were fine-tuned to straighten the rim (much like tuning a bicycle wheel). This construction methodology allows for the rim to be built to extremely tight tolerances, which is critical for the operation of the wheel. The Arup team had to overcome many


> Arup, a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm with a reputation for delivering innovative and sustainable designs, celebrated the opening of the world’s largest observation wheel, the 550-foot-tall Las Vegas High Roller, on March 31, 2014. Engaged as the prime design consultant by Caesars Entertainment, in collaboration with venue consultants and architects the Hettema Group, Arup provided the structural, geotechnical, mechanical and electrical engineering design, and acoustics and fire life safety consulting for this project. As the focal point of Caesars new $550


million outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment district The LINQ, located on the 50-yard line of the world famous Las Vegas Strip, the High Roller can accommodate 1,120 people across 28 cabins for a 30-minute ride that features sweeping views of the Vegas skyline and valley. Following its experience designing the 541-foot-tall Singapore Flyer and the 443-foot-tall London Eye, Arup guided Caesars from early design concepts through construction administration, coordinating with two general contractors, as well as all sub-contractors, suppliers, and the cabin designer. The components that formed the wheel were sourced from all over the world, built to technical specifications provided by Arup. Freyssinet, the supplier of the cables,


bearings, and connectors, whose scope of work also included the testing of materials to insure the desired performance and 50 year


design challenges, which include supporting the massive structure on the narrow and highly constrained site. Situated next to a monorail, the hub of the wheel is held by four inclined support legs and a brace leg that span the adjacent roads and a large stormwater culvert nearby. Considerations for passenger comfort and safety in strong winds, earthquakes, extreme external temperatures, and in the event of any mechanical malfunction were all integrated into the comprehensive design. With a life expectancy of 50-years and an estimated 650,000 rotations, numerous detailed structural analyses were conducted to control stress concentrations on the bearings, steelwork, cables, and fittings to guard against fatigue. “Arup relishes the opportunity to


develop creative solutions to the unique multidisciplinary challenges posed by projects such as the High Roller,” said Michael Willford, Arup’s project director and global advanced technology and research leader. “For a project presenting so many different technical challenges, we assemble a design team including experts of different disciplines with widely different experiences from our offices around the world. This enables us to generate and brainstorm many innovative ideas that can be developed into designs that inspire and delight the end-user.” y


Barhhart Agrees to Purchase Hite Crane & Rigging


> Barnhart has reached a definitive agreement to purchase Hite Crane and Rigging. Hite Crane and Rigging has been providing hoisting and rigging services throughout the Inland Empire and Pacific Northwest with cranes from 10 to 440 ton, as well as heavy transport and specialized rigging equipment.


Currently, Barnhart has 25 branches nationwide, and has one of the nation’s largest equipment inventories including electronic steer Goldhofer trailers, cranes to 1,760 tons, sliding systems, strand jacks, and the Modular Lift Tower system. “Hite Crane & Rigging has a strong,


proud history of doing exceptional work.” said Alan Barnhart, CEO of Barnhart. “Since 1969 Hite has been delivering dependable innovative solutions for their customers’ heavy lifting and heavy transportation needs. This acquisition will allow Barnhart to continue to serve those same customers while offering a broader range of services that should help lower their overall projects’ costs. We think our customers throughout the Inland Empire and Pacific Northwest will be very pleased with the expansion of services this acquisition allows.” Barnhart Crane & Rigging, established


in 1969, is a leading national supplier of heavy lifting and transportation solutions. The company has locations across the United States. Services also include logistics, machinery moving, and plant relocations. Barnhart’s Quality Management System is certified to the ISO 9001:2008 international standard and has been registered since 2000. y


Bishop Lifting Products Acquires Delta Rigging and Tools


> SBP Holdings, through its wholly owned subsidiary Bishop Lifting Products, has completed the acquisition of Delta Rigging & Tools headquartered in Houston, TX. Bishop Lifting Products and Delta Rigging


& Tools specialize in the fabrication and distribution of slings, wire rope and rigging products, crane and rigging inspection services, engineered solutions, and equipment rentals. The combined Company will go to market under the brands Bishop Lifting Products, Delta Rigging & Tools, Delta Rentals & Rigging, and Morgan City Rentals. The Company currently operates 23 branches in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and North Dakota with over 700 employees. Derrick Deakins, President of Bishop


Lifting Products, states, “the combination of Bishop Lifting and Delta will bring great value to our customers. The wide spectrum of products and services, extended geographic footprint, and technical expertise created by the acquisition positions Bishop Lifting Products to become the clear leader in the wire rope and rigging industry. The addition


WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE MAY-JUNE 2014 7


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