GENERALI TOWER’S SIGN BOARD IN CITYLIFE, MILAN
The structure of the sign- board consists of three basic parts:
- central drum
- spatial pipe structure with ball shaped joints
- structure supporting panels and letters
The main structure is based on a central "drum," consisting of sections composed of cut plates, constrained to the reinforced concrete extension of the existing turrets overt the top of the tower core.
This element is functional not only for re-centering the horizontal forces but also to transfer the vertical loads to the support points on the reinforced concrete structure that bounds its position
The connection between the base box of the "drum" and the r.c. walls, located at 6 points, is made through a system of post tensioned bars and shear keys
From the "drum" 2 spatial symmetrical lattice structures branch out; the relevant hollow circular section elements are connected by ball type joints along several directions. The subdivision of this structure into 2 elements, which does not allow for the best use of the shape effect, results from the architectural aim to replicate even in the sign board the two "cut" carvings that characterize the tower façade.
The panels and letters supporting structure is composed of uprights with a rectangular hollow section and longitudinal horizontal stiffeners. The uprights support the maintenance catwalk structure also.
The longitudinal horizontal tubular members are calendered where the radius of curvature allows for this sweep and composed of bent plates where the radius of curvature is exceedingly small.
