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HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL, SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN
Quirion Métal Inc. and its divisions (Expert Conseil Des-Ing, Asimut, Ez Steel), recently had the pleasure to work on a project that is as Unique as it is Exceptional: the HOLY FAMILY CATHERAL in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan!
The cathedral is literally built like a house of cards! The ambitious $28.5 million project is the biggest challenge our company has completed to date. The highest point is more than 176.5 feet (53.8 m) high. It includes a 100% steel cross that is no less than 40 feet (11.8 m) tall and weighs over 10,000 pounds.
The engineering feat was a true technical achievement. Each connection, every installation sequence, each weld, had to be checked and double-checked to wind up with a perfect product. We are proud of our engineers; they were true innovators!
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Strengthened with more than 300 high-strength bolts and 2-inch (51 mm) steel plates, entirely with full penetration welds, this assemblage was designed and built by Quirion Métal to reduce transportation costs from Quebec to Saskatchewan and to reduce installation costs. By halving the length of the “Central Hub,” our installation team reduced the load-carrying requirements the crane needed to place the centrepiece on this “jigsaw puzzle.” |
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“The Cap” had to provide a uniform finish at the base of the “Central Hub.” This ordinary-looking piece significantly increased the complexity of achieving a perfect finish. But one look at the photos will attest that it was “Mission Accomplished!” |
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The cross is the cherry on the sundae! The media was there in force to witness the installation. The 100% steel landmark is our greatest achievement! At more than 176.5 feet (53.8 m) above ground, it can be seen from almost anywhere in Saskatoon. |
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Each truss is unique! There are eight of them in all, varying from 16.4 to 82 feet (5 to 25 m) in height! Our engineers designed them in separate pieces with bolted assembly because of their size. A pre-assembly with a pre-planned sequence was therefore required at the worksite. In addition, hoisting each truss had to be carefully calculated, given their slender, varied shapes. |
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The installation sequence was essential to the project’s success and cost-effectiveness. Our engineers imagined several scenarios before settling on a temporary support that held the structure’s weight throughout the installation. It also contained the lateral forces caused by each installation sequence. The system was designed to accommodate the structure’s rebound after the support was removed. It had to work in theory and practice! We used an ingenious hydraulic system to safely remove the temporary support. |
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We planned the installation of each piece. Our engineers thought out each sequence, each connection, and the crane’s every movement. We drafted a sequential installation plan to clarify work at the jobsite. Every morning, our engineers and jobsite workers met to coordinate a safe and orderly work flow. As a result, the work did not encounter any technical difficulties. The project engineer observed: “it is commendable that you delivered truss framing to the site and erected it with very little (if any) fit-up difficulty. Also, we acknowledge the fact that Quirion is not a "start-up" company and has qualified personnel performing the work.” |
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