Oak Ridge, TN
International Friendship Bell
Scope/Solutions
To celebrate the friendship between Japan and the United States, two Oak Ridge citizens mobilized to create a bell honoring peace after World War II. The 8,000 lb bronze bell was designed by an Oak Ridge artist and cast by a Japanese foundry. Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks undertook an effort to construct a Peace Pavilion and plaza at the Manhattan Project National Historical Park to showcase the bell. SGH was the structural engineer for the project.
SGH designed the structure for the new bell pavilion structure and other site features. Highlights of our design include:
- A cantilevering, concrete-encased, steel-framed armature to support the bell and the carbon fiber canopy roof structure
- The steel plate assembly and anchorage to support the bell from the armature beam
- A cast-in-place concrete mat foundation supporting the pavilion structure
- The steel-framed arbour structure with cast-in-place concrete piers
- Site bollards and curved benches constructed with reinforced, cast stone
SGH also provided construction administration services, including reviewing contractor submittals and visiting the site to observe ongoing work during construction.
Project Summary
