Seismic Approved Hollo-Bolt Specified for LA Skyscraper

After receiving the full seismic approval from ICC-ES for all seismic design categories (A to F), Lindapter’s Hollo-Bolt was specified for the tallest skyscraper in Western USA, which is in the heart of a high-risk seismic area. Towering 73 stories above downtown Los Angeles, the Wilshire Grand Center is the tallest building in the Western United States. It includes a hotel, offices, retail space and a rooftop ‘sky lobby’ which provides guests with sweeping views of LA that extend to Santa Monica. The billion-dollar skyscraper designed by AC Martin sets the architectural standard for innovation, design and quality in Los Angeles. The main feature of AC Martin’s design is the swooping glass canopy which creates an atrium with a modern architecturally exposed steel design. Following the structural engineer’s recommendation of using the seismic approved Hollo-Bolt, the steelwork contractors used over 3,000 M20 Hollo-Bolts to secure the structural hollow sections which form the swooping atrium framework. Hollo-Bolts were installed from just one side, rapidly achieving discreet splice connections without the need for drilling or welding. The extremely cost effective installation did not require specialist equipment or specialist labour. It dramatically reduced the amount of work at height in comparison to traditional welding or through-bolting methods. The design also eradicated the possibility of tube deformation that can be associated with through-bolting if the bolts are over-tightened. The end result was an aesthetically pleasing, clean and subtle connection which complements the design of the architecturally exposed structural steel. The Lindapter Hollo-Bolt has an extensive range of independent approvals, including Los Angeles Research Report (LARR) and full seismic approval from ICC-ES for all seismic design categories (A-F). It is also independently approved as a structural connection for primary steel and features in the SCI/BCSA joint publication ‘Joints in Steel Construction – Simple Connections’ (Or Green Book as it is commonly referred to). The guide provides primary design advice and information on using the Hollo-Bolt for Structural steel connections.

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