Low-carbon stadium a showcase for engineering

We were proud to be selected as the main contractor for London's Olympic Stadium.

We were eager to create a venue that would not only capture the world’s attention, but would showcase innovative design, sustainability, engineering excellence and collaborative working.

Our ability to ‘embrace the temporary’ was critical in delivering an 80,000-seat stadium, that could be turned into a 25,000-seat athletics venue after 2012.

The result was a lean, efficient and highly accessible venue, bringing spectators closer to the action than in previous Games.

The venue's compact size reduced costs, accelerated programme and helped meet our client’s sustainability aspirations. We sped up construction through creative design and developed an alternative roof solution which reduced the amount of steel required.

Delivered early, under budget and with an exemplary safety record, the stadium showcases the power of integrated working and leaves an inspiring legacy.

Record-breaking

Containing around 10,000 tonnes of steel the venue is the lightest Olympic Stadium to date.

Sustainability

We exceeded our client’s targets on sustainability, carbon emissions, waste segregation, equality and inclusion, recycled content and water. Because of the stadium’s compact design, far less energy was needed to manufacture its individual elements than previous Olympic stadia.

Successful collaboration

Thanks to close teamwork, we delivered the stadium more than two months early and under budget. Our project partners included architect Populous and structural engineer Buro Happold.

Safety focus

Extensive workforce training and engagement resulted in exemplary safety standards.

Lightweight strength

The combined weight of the sports lighting towers on the cable net roof was a first in stadium design.

Lasting community legacy

To boost education and employment in the area, we worked with the local community to provide skills, training, engagement and work opportunities.

To complete a complicated project such as this in less than three years is testament to the skill and professionalism of the UK construction industry. I would like to thank the Team Stadium consortium and all of the workers for their hard work and commitment.
John Armitt, ODA Chairman

Design efficiency

Through applying smart design, we reduced the time from end-concept to start of construction by 12 months. This was achieved through creating a repetitive design, which maximised prefabrication, minimised components and simplified connections.

Our project team’s alternative proposal for a lightweight cable net roof was the most sustainable option, using only half the steel of a standard cantilever design.

Raising the roof

Erecting the cable net roof and sports lighting towers were major project challenges. The entire process was designed to minimise work at height.

Precision fabrication and installation ensured the 28 steel sections forming the roof’s outer compression truss fitted perfectly.

Then we laid the inner tension ring on a scaffold, which was custom-made by our in-house design team to run around the inside of the bowl. From here, the ring was lifted 40m into place using computer-controlled jacks.

The 14 sports lighting towers were constructed on the playing field. Equipment and circuits were tested at ground level before the rigs were lifted onto the tension ring and secured with a secondary system of cables.

With each tower weighing 35 tonnes, their combined weight on the edge of a cable net roof was a first in stadium design.

Sir Robert McAlpine developed a strong culture of site safety and respect for fellow workers whilst delivering the scheme. The positive behaviours generated throughout the workforce are a powerful message to the industry of what can be achieved when a management team spend time and effort to ensure that all workforce concerns are listened to and responded to swiftly and effectively.
Ian Crockford, ODA Project Sponsor

Awards

Considerate Constructors Scheme Awards

National site awards 2011 & 2012 - Gold
Secured by Design certification

First UK stadium to receive the Secured by Design certification for the measures taken to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.