John Peter Doyle
"A Sports Arena" (MS 1965)
Advisor: Myron Goldsmith
Others acknowledged: Fazlur Khan, David Sharpe, G. Jarick
Model Photographs: Joseph Jachna
Material: Concrete + cables
Structural system: High tensioned catenary beam system
Maximum span: 650 ft.
“The use in building of the suspension principle combining high tension cables with reinforced concrete presents a new visual and spatial concept.”
Peter John Doyle’s thesis considered a long span, high space for a 65,000-seat football arena, on a site in Ireland. Concrete was selected at the outset due to its availability in Ireland, and 650 feet the minimum transverse dimension. Arches and various suspension methods of spanning were considered. A system of one-way post-tensioned catenary beams spaced at 50 ft. was selected. A reaction frame is provided at each beam end with inclined cable stays and a vertical compression member resolved into a broader base to resist the high tensile forces developed.
“The suspension system presents a new visual and spatial concept consequently requiring much study.”
