Francis Crick Institute

Introduction

In the heart of British culture, few events are as iconic as the Wimbledon Championships. This prestigious tennis tournament is synonymous with strawberries and cream, tradition, and, crucially, the unpredictable British summer weather. To ensure uninterrupted play regardless of the weather, Wimbledon Centre Court features a state-of-the-art, fully retractable roof. Barnshaws Section Benders Ltd played a pivotal role in the Wimbledon Centre Court roof project, a 1,000-tonne structure that enables tennis fans to enjoy matches without weather-related interruptions. The roof, spanning 77 meters, incorporates large curved box-sections designed for the necessary strength and precision required for such a large span.

Engineering & Construction

The construction of the retractable roof demanded a high degree of precision and strength. Each of the trusses used in the roof construction weighs 70 tonnes and required exact bending to meet the stringent tolerances of the design. Once additional components like lights, locking arms, and motors were added, the weight of each truss increased to 100 tonnes.

Barnshaws delivered these trusses, which were fabricated from 66 individual precision curved sections. These sections were then assembled by Watson Steel Structures, part of the Severfield PLC group, and prepared for on-site construction.

Challenges & Solutions

The primary challenge in this project was balancing the load of the trusses, which necessitated precise bending to maintain structural integrity. Barnshaws' extensive experience and advanced equipment allowed them to meet these tight tolerances. The company's state-of-the-art bending machines and experienced workforce ensured the delivery of high-quality curved sections that complied with CE Execution Class 4 standards, the highest classification for steel structures.

Previous Experience & Expertise

Barnshaws' involvement in the Wimbledon Centre Court project was based on a proven track record of supplying curved sections for other major stadiums in the UK, including Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. The successful design and implementation of the Wimbledon roof have set a new benchmark for similar projects, highlighting Barnshaws' expertise and reliability in handling complex and demanding structural requirements.