The Gateway Arch was constructed by assembling 142 prefabricated stainless steel sections, each 12 feet long.
To elaborate on this process:
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Prefabricated Sections: The Arch wasn't built from the ground up using continuous pouring of concrete or welding. Instead, it was built using modular sections. This modularity allowed for more precise construction and easier assembly.
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Stainless Steel: The outer skin of the Arch is made of stainless steel. This material was chosen for its durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. The specific type of stainless steel used was Type 304.
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Section Assembly: Each of the 142 sections was lifted into place using specially designed cranes and derricks. Workers then welded the sections together, creating a continuous stainless steel surface.
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Concrete Filling: Once each section was in place, the double-walled skin was filled with concrete. This concrete core provided structural integrity and stability to the Arch.
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Prestressed Tension Bars: The concrete core was prestressed with 252 tension bars. These bars were tightened to put the concrete under compression, which further increased the Arch's strength and ability to withstand wind loads and other stresses.
In summary, the Gateway Arch was built using a sophisticated process involving prefabricated stainless steel sections, concrete filling, and prestressed tension bars. This method allowed for a relatively efficient and precise construction of this iconic structure.
