Transformation of Stadium Roof

The Olympic Stadium transformation resulted in a multi-purpose venue with flexible retractable seating to allow it to host concerts, athletics and football matches without compromising the spectators’ experience. As part of the transformation works, the original fabric membrane roof was dismantled and replaced with a new roof spanning almost three times as far, and covering an area twice as large as the original.

The new roof consists of a primary cable net structure supporting articulated steel trusses which create the upper roof profile. The new roof represents a substantial increase in loading, which required significant strengthening works to be carried out to the existing compression truss and V-columns which support it, in parallel with the dismantling and construction works.

COWI was appointed by Balfour Beatty to provide comprehensive erection engineering services and ad-hoc advice during their tender, and later throughout the detailed design and construction. The project was carried out on a shortened and very tight programme and was re-opened in time for the Diamond League Athletics event in July 2015.