Home to the Minnesota Vikings, the massive U.S. Bank Stadium cuts a unique facade on the Downtown Minneapolis skyline. Completed in 2016, U.S. Bank Stadium replaced the aging Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, giving Minnesotans a state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility for sporting events, concerts, family programs, and community events.
In May 2012, Minnesota hopefuls were delighted by the news they were getting a new stadium. The legislation called for the construction of a nearly $1 billion stadium that would occupy 1.75 million square-feet on the same site as the Metrodome.
The design of the new stadium was innovative in every sense of the word. To give fans a comfortable “outdoor” experience during the snowy winter months in Minnesota, a 240,000 square-foot translucent roof designed to endure heavy snow loads was installed. And what kind of structure can hold the largest translucent roof in North America? A massive, 989-foot long steel ridge truss, which acted as the spine of the stadium. It was crucial that the truss and supporting steel frame were installed to design and tested for structural integrity. That’s where Braun Intertec came into play.
With our proven track record of trust and experience working on large multi-purpose facilities, such as Target Field in Minneapolis, MN, our nondestructive examination and construction materials testing teams were chosen to work on this vital part of the stadium. Our team of International Code Council (ICC) certified special inspectors observed both the fabrication and erection of structural steel for compliance with project specifications. Across the stadium, we inspected the quality of the welds and bolts on the structural steel, sometimes at heights of up to 270 feet. In addition, our team provided testing of the structural masonry and concrete, fireproofing, railings, and anchorages. We also consulted on the construction of the exterior building envelope.
Due to the sheer size and fixed construction schedule of the project, we deployed ample qualified personnel to keep pace with multiple construction crews working across the entire stadium. A number of agencies involved with the project need to coordinate work and relied on our expertise, making timely and accurate project communication critical for success.
Construction of U.S. Bank Stadium was completed on schedule, in the summer of 2016, just in time for eager sports fans to watch their favorite teams play. After construction, general contractor, Mortenson Construction, recognized our personnel as a trusted and essential part of the stadium construction team, further delivering on our years of experience in the industry and reputation for being the consultant of choice.
Interested in learning more about structural steel and the special inspections process for stadiums and other vertical structures?
Sign up for a webinar with one of our ICC-certified inspectors integral to the U.S. Bank Stadium project here
